About me
I apply my passion, knowledge, skills and experience to help innovative companies succeed.
Kobus Smit
Senior Executive
with proven track record in building ecosystems and facilitating cross-industry collaboration
Strategic marketing & product expert
shaping and delivering innovative technology products and services
Top-of-class MBA
with strong leadership skills demonstrated throughout a career ranging from start-ups to large international companies
Engaging public speaker
fluent in English, German, Dutch and Afrikaans
International experience
covering Europe, North- and South America, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan and Africa
Looking for a C-level Executive to deliver your strategic marketing?
Shaping innovative products
Driving international expansion
Realising collaboration
Dive in deeper to find out more about my...
Launched over 50 collaborative products across Europe; Chaired the Global IP Comms Leadership Team; Built global and European ecosystems for mobile identity, communication, and e-commerce services…
Demonstrable skills in leadership, innovation, building ecosystems, leading collaboration, product management, strategy, marketing, and business development…
Deep expertise in innovation in mobile identity, messaging, conversational commerce, and e-commerce…
Education
Rotterdam School of Management, the Netherlands
MBA, 2000-2002 – International Full-time
Top 10% of class
8.23 Grade Point Average
Highest grades in class for:
Strategic Company Analysis, Operations Management, Law & Public Policy in Cyberspace
Melbourne Business School, Australia
MBA, 2001 – exchange semester.
Highest grade in class for Negotiation - Theory & Practice
University of Pretoria, South Africa
B Eng (Hons) Industrial Engineering, 1993
B Eng Industrial Engineering, 1992
3 merit distinctions
Public speaking
Significant experience speaking as key-note, speaker and panellist at several international events, including:
- Mobile World Congress (Barcelona, Shanghai)
- Several GSMA events (across Europe, USA, South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong)
- Rich Communication Forum (Munich, Berlin, Dallas, London)
- Global Messaging World Forum (London)
- IMS Forum (Barcelona)
- LTE World Summit (Amsterdam)
- LTE Voice (London)
- Google Telecoms Connect (Amsterdam)
Personal and interests
I am South African born and raised. Emigrated to Europe 20 years ago.
I am married to Monica and have 3 children: Marco (18) Thomas (16) and Michelle (13).
I used to play rugby, football and squash competitively. Now I stay active by jogging and mountain biking.
I am a huge rugby fan – always supporting the Springboks.
I love playing pool (billiard) and have an own table at home.
I am actively involved with school and community activities – chair of the school support association (Förderverein); Founding board member of our local carnival association.
I love working with wood and have completed several projects.