Courtney Smith

Founder. Innovator. Advisor. Community builder. Board member. Master-connector of people, brands and causes. Luxury Executive. Mentor. Mother. Seeker. Champion of women inleadership roles. Art, Adventure and Design lover.

Make it stand out.

Founder

Courtney Smith & Co Luxury Client development

Courtney Smith is a dynamic, visionary leader with over two decades of experience across the world’s most influential fine art, jewelry, fashion, and ultra-luxury brands, including Sotheby’s, Graff, and Fendi/LVMH. Her expertise creating strategic partnerships coupled with managing the world’s most discerning clients helps propel businesses to maximize sales and develop unparalleled client experiences. A mindful and a masterful connector, Courtney excels in developing programs that launch, grow or re-establish a brand’s presence in both strategy and execution.

Passionate about integrating her expertise with a conscious, mindful approach to business, Courtney allocates 15% of the company’s annual revenue to support > W/IN, the Social Impact Arm of Courtney Smith & Co. Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, with a spirit of wanderlust, Courtney spent over twenty years in New York City and now keeps Costa Rica as her home base. A world traveler and design enthusiast, she is celebrated for her blend of grounded wisdom, sophisticated sensibility, and tenacious leadership.

During her eight years at Sotheby’s Auction House, Courtney directed Event & Sponsorship Marketing successfully launching and scaling Sotheby’s client loyalty program. She built a strong foundation in change management, marketing, strategic programming, partnerships, business development, and client advisory.

Courtney then assumed the role of Vice President Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations for Graff USA, where she was responsible for heightening brand awareness and driving revenue growth across North and South America. Courtney brought her invaluable direct client experience, perspective and voice to Graff’s marketing plans, inspiring loyalty and enhancing the brand’s North American presence.

Most recently, Courtney served as Vice President of Private Client Relations & Events for FENDI Americas, a role she conceptualized in 2016. Leading her department and serving on the Fendi Executive Committee, Courtney played a pivotal role in enhancing Fendi’s client engagement and shaping its business strategy across North and South America.

Courtney embodies compassionate leadership, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence—the intangible ingredients which she credits for her success. Outside of work, she is dedicated to mentoring and championing women in the workplace through her women’s networking community and advises and invests in early-stage, female-founded companies.

Services

SPECIALISING IN CLIENT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING

Strategic
Partnerships

Courtney Smith & Co. will develop a winning, revenue-generating and audience expanding strategy via meaningful connections and strategic partners, providing mutual benefit aligned with your objectives, values and evolving needs.

Strategic
Programming

Bespoke Brand Immersion

Courtney Smith & Co. will create customized programming that will inspire loyalty, attract desired customers and enhance the brand offering.

Client Development & Experience

Behind the scenes with renowned Art Historian

Courtney Smith & Co. uses a deep understanding of what motivates clients and the execution of unparalleled high-touch experiences to guide your Client Engagement Strategy and Best Practices.

What People Are Saying

Testimonials

"Courtney was recommended to us given her success and extensive experience across the ultra luxury sector. She was able to articulate key considerations and recommendations in a way that lends instant credibility to our efforts. We could not have been more impressed with her leadership and seamless integration into the team, her astute ability to find the right talent and her aptitude to gain access to decision makers and execute strategic partnerships that drive goals and objectives. It is a testament to the extremely robust rolodex, respect and results she has achieved throughout her career..”

-Randy Takian, Managing Director & James Massman, Rewards Executive, Bank of America Private Wealth Management

“We brought Courtney on to advise on the luxury consumer strategy, specifically focused on understanding the relationship between luxury brands, private client offices and their front-of-house associates. Courtney created a bespoke deliverable for our teams that has created a foundation of insight and strategy, uniquely fitted to our organization’s needs. She is a wealth of knowledge and truly an expert in her field, as well as warm, incredibly sharp and a delight to work with. I would recommend Courtney to anyone who is looking for a partner in the luxury strategy and go-to-market space, she is an absolute gem!”

-Janet Roller, VP Global Innovation, Marriot International

“Courtney’s many years in the luxury and arts sectors make her an expert in brokering multi-year broad partnerships that are highly strategic. She has a keen understanding of industry trends and inner workings, while holding deep personal relationships internally and externally at luxury brands as well as with their top clients. Courtney is able to bring this client voice in crafting collaborations that are truly meaningful for all parties involved. We are grateful for Courtney championing our BOA partnership and we look forward to the next opportunity to work together.”

-Marlies Verhoeven CEO & Co-Founder, T H E C U L T I V I S T

“Courtney’s ability to create and develop personal and business relationships with the most discerning clients is a true gem in the fashion world. Her integrity and human touch associated with her entrepreneurial spirit and marketing expertise made her a fantastic partner to build a Private Client Relations Department.”

— Gaetano Sciuto, President, Fendi Americas (LVMH)

“Courtney is a visionary leader whose ability to identify the white space and conceptualize a creative, profitable solution for any business; sets her apart from anyone else in her field. In addition, Courtney is an incredible support to those around her, constantly striving to lift other women up and help amplify their voices whenever possible. “

— Lydia Fenet, Global Managing Director, Christie’s

“Courtney is a smart and energizing creative business strategist. Courtney brought her vision to me for the Fendi and Future Perfect collaboration, resulting in a mutually beneficial and long-standing partnership . She is a great team leader and an incredible listener with a competency for establishing, and more importantly, meeting big picture goals. I hope we get the chance to work together again in the near future.”

— David Alhadeff, Founder The Future Perfect

"As a female entrepreneur and someone very well versed with many luxury brands, I know Courtney as a strategic business woman, extraordinary leader and a thoughtful caring person.

We had the great pleasure of building many memorable events & experiences together including: the Friends of Fendi Program that Courtney created, my one-of-a-kind week long birthday celebration in Rome and designing my first Fendi Couture gown.

Courtney is great with people and exceptional getting things done.”

—Sinesia Karol, Founder & Creative Director, Sinesia Karol LLC

“Courtney is a rare combination of talents; incredible with clients and extremely strategic. She understands data, how to leverage it, & how to build businesses with grace, finesse and ease.”

— David Friedman, Co-Founder, Wealth X & WealthQuotient

Courtney Smith

About Us

Make it stand out.

Founder