Keith Smith Company, the nation’s largest independent producer and provider of broiler hatching eggs to the poultry industry, has named Keith Smith as Vice President of Sales, which is a new role within the company.
Keith Smith is a third-generation member of the family business that started almost 70 years ago.
“We are pleased to move Keith into this expanded role in our company,” said President and CEO Jim Smith. “Keith has been overseeing our Latin American sales operations and is now prepared to take on new responsibilities.”
The promotion is part of a company reorganization prompted by the departure of Eddy Slick, the long-time director for U.S. sales.
“Eddy has taken a step to advance his career, and we are happy for him,” Jim Smith said. “This has given us an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate our organizational structure to continue providing excellent service to our customers. Because Keith is known and respected by customers here and abroad, this consolidation of sales initiatives makes sense for us.”
Keith Smith has been with his family’s business since 2009. His knowledge and experience in Latin America helped the company create a strong full-service export department helping international clientele achieve long-term success. He is a member of the US Poultry and Egg Export Council, a recipient in 2014 of the International Production and Processing Expo’s “30 Under 30” award, and is an active volunteer for Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and World Vision LatAm.
“This is my family’s business, and I’m thrilled to be in a position to have greater impact on our company’s success,” said Keith Smith. “We desire to develop strong relationships with our clients and work to meet their needs and demands so they can achieve maximum yield and profitability.”
In 2016, Keith Smith Company sold 336 million eggs to customers located in nine countries across the globe. The company has over 100 employees and more than 40 growers.
