Mark A. Smith
Carrollton,Texas
Summary
With 38 years of progressive experience and a proven track record at American Airlines (AA) and AERQ, I bring extensive expertise to the table. My curiosity, agility, and adaptability enable effective communication and interaction with individuals at all levels. Known for an articulate and creative approach, I consistently define innovative and practical solutions. A strength of mine lies in balancing long-range objectives with meticulous attention to detail. Highly analytical, I constantly seek data to uncover the true customer story.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Director, Americas
AERQ GmbH
03.2021 - Current
- Participate in industry conferences and trade shows representing the company's products/services generating leads
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop effective promotional campaigns that increased brand visibility and generate leads
- Conduct market research to identify emerging trends and potential new markets for expansion
- Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for business growth and develop targeted sales initiatives
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, product development, and operations to ensure alignment of sales objectives with overall company goals
Mgr. Inflight Entertainment & Wi-Fi Connectivity
American Airlines
09.2011 - 03.2021
- Developed the next generation inflight entertainment (IFE) strategy for over 300 new Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft
- Led a global first-to-market project to board Samsung Galaxy 10.1” tablets, as well as the development of three other onboard digital portable entertainment devices
- Served as the American Airlines representative in successful negotiations with the Department of Transportation, disability advocates, and airlines for proposed assessable IFE regulations
- Led the development and simultaneous implementation of a common graphical user interface (GUI) for a common customer experience across 8 different IFE and connectivity platforms / portal
Mgr. of Onboard Entertainment / Onboard Amenities / Duty Free
American Airlines
03.2005 - 09.2011
- Managed the budget for $10 million in revenue and $51 million in expenses
- Managed a team of 7 analysts and senior analysts professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations
Mgr. of Financial Planning- IT Strategy & Finance, IT
American Airlines
01.2004 - 03.2005
- Controller for AA's IT organization
- Managed annual operating budget of $523 million, 827 employees
Mgr. of Business Planning- Customer Technology, IT
American Airlines
09.2001 - 01.2004
- Managed annual operating budget of $72 million, 269 employees
- Managed the prioritization of customer facing new technology features and functionality enhancements
AA.com Mgr. of Business Planning, Marketing
American Airlines
09.2000 - 09.2001
- Managed annual operating budget of $72 million, 269 employees
- Managed AA.com annual revenue budget of over $2 billion / prepared AA.com P&L
- Managed the prioritization of future site development and functionality enhancements on AA.com
- Managed the market sizing and market analysis of solicited and unsolicited business opportunities for AA.com
Mgr. of Inflight Entertainment, Marketing
American Airlines
06.1997 - 09.2000
- Led a global first-to-market project to board hand-held DVD players onboard American Airlines aircraft
- Managed the establishment of strategic partnerships with CBS and NBC for exclusive video programming onboard AA aircraft
- Worked collaboratively with multiple internal organizations to successfully launch new IFE systems manufactured by multiple suppliers on multiple aircraft types
Team Leader- Interactive Video Systems, Marketing
American Airlines
01.1996 - 06.1997
- Led a one aircraft trial of the first American Airlines to be installed with an interactive inflight entertainment (IFE) system
- Monitored system performance and customer feedback in preparation for a decision to install interactive IFE systems on all American Airlines international aircraft
- Created and managed an independent flight attendant group to operate the IFE system during the trial
Program Manager- Inflight Telephones, Marketing
American Airlines
09.1994 - 01.1996
- Managed the installation of seatback digital telephone systems across the entire American Airlines fleet of aircraft
- Monitored and reported telephone revenues and reliability
Sr. Facilities Mntc. Engineer, Maintenance & Engineering
American Airlines
03.1992 - 09.1994
- Created a database for AFW equipment maintenance procedures
- Created reference library of AFW construction documents and specifications
Project Manager, Corporate Real Estate
American Airlines
06.1989 - 03.1992
- On-site project manager for construct of the Alliance Maintenance base
- Managed construction of the 7-bay widebody aircraft hangar, fuel farm, fire protection facility, central utility plant, and energy management system
Facilities Maintenance Shift Manager, DFW Airport Operations
American Airlines
10.1986 - 06.1989
- Operations Manager for American Airlines operations at DFW Airport
- Managed the installation of a new energy management system across multiple DFW terminals, hangars, and facilities
Project Manager, HVAC Design
Steve Dunn & Partners Consulting Engineers
05.1982 - 10.1986
- Led project teams in the design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs of primarily commercial office buildings
- Personally responsible for design of project HVAC designs
Education
MBA - Finance
University of North Texas
Denton, TX05-1994
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX08-1982
Skills
- Market Trend Analysis
- Networking and relationship building
- Strategic Planning
- Presentations and public speaking
- Vendor Management
- Business development and planning
- Performance monitoring
- Competitive Analysis
Timeline
Sales Director, Americas
AERQ GmbH
03.2021 - Current
Mgr. Inflight Entertainment & Wi-Fi Connectivity
American Airlines
09.2011 - 03.2021
Mgr. of Onboard Entertainment / Onboard Amenities / Duty Free
American Airlines
03.2005 - 09.2011
Mgr. of Financial Planning- IT Strategy & Finance, IT
American Airlines
01.2004 - 03.2005
Mgr. of Business Planning- Customer Technology, IT
American Airlines
09.2001 - 01.2004
AA.com Mgr. of Business Planning, Marketing
American Airlines
09.2000 - 09.2001
Mgr. of Inflight Entertainment, Marketing
American Airlines
06.1997 - 09.2000
Team Leader- Interactive Video Systems, Marketing
American Airlines
01.1996 - 06.1997
Program Manager- Inflight Telephones, Marketing
American Airlines
09.1994 - 01.1996
Sr. Facilities Mntc. Engineer, Maintenance & Engineering
American Airlines
03.1992 - 09.1994
Project Manager, Corporate Real Estate
American Airlines
06.1989 - 03.1992
Facilities Maintenance Shift Manager, DFW Airport Operations
American Airlines
10.1986 - 06.1989
Project Manager, HVAC Design
Steve Dunn & Partners Consulting Engineers
05.1982 - 10.1986
MBA - Finance
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Texas A&M University
Similar Profiles
Mona ElnadyMona Elnady
Product Owner at AERQProduct Owner at AERQ
AKHIL KRISHNA SETHU MADHAVANAKHIL KRISHNA SETHU MADHAVAN
Test and Integration (Working Student) at AERQTest and Integration (Working Student) at AERQ
Mona NagelMona Nagel
Junior Buyer Urban Sports at KaDeWe Group GmbH / KaDeWe GmbHJunior Buyer Urban Sports at KaDeWe Group GmbH / KaDeWe GmbH