Tribute to a senior colleague
John Smith
With deep regret, ACME Industries announces that John Smith, Chief Operating Officer, unexpectedly passed away on March 11th, 2014, after a five-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Maria, and his children, son Jack and daughter Jenna.
David Moss, Chief Executive Officer of ACME Industries, said: "John Smith was a great leader and friend to many inside and outside of ACME. He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to simplify complex situations and solutions. He was particularly good at connecting with people at all levels and from all backgrounds. John was a gifted manager, an inspiring leader and a trusted friend to many of our colleagues and clients around the world. We will miss him, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family."
Mr. Smith first joined ACME in 1980 as a junior executive in the turbines division, where he was immediately recognized for his analytical mind, his productivity ideas and innovation as well as his effective yet affable style when working in teams.
He was promoted to managerial and leadership positions, first in the energy services division (1985-1990) followed by construction services (1991-1995) and aircraft engineering (1995-2002). In late-2002, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer where he helped to improve the company’s financial systems and reporting. In 2007, he was made Chief Operating Officer overseeing all business units’ engineering services globally.
An electrical engineering graduate from Indiana University with a Harvard MBA, Mr Smith was also very active in many children’s charities and educational initiatives. He also sits on the Board of his alma mater, Georgetown College. Mr. Smith was 54 years old when he passed.
More than 1,000 ACME colleagues around the world will greatly miss Mr. Smith’s leadership and for all that he is done to make ACME a respected player in the engineering services industry.
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