Peter J. Smith

About Peter J. Smith

Marketing and brand leader with 20+ years of experience driving growth across CPG and automotive sectors through data-driven strategy, cross-functional leadership, and customer-centric innovation.I specialize in building and aligning high-performing teams across marketing, R&D, sales, finance, and supply chain to deliver winning products, scalable platforms, and high-impact go-to-market strategies. My approach blends creative brand storytelling with rigorous commercial discipline to drive measurable business results.A career highlight was helping create, launch, and lead brand management for Motor City Pizza Co. — one of the top-selling premium frozen pizza brands in the U.S. This Detroit-style frozen pizza has earned media praise for its thick, flavorful crust and high-quality ingredients and has been recognized by chefs and editors among the best frozen pizzas in the market. I’m proud that the brand achieved insurgent brand status on Bain & Company’s 2025 Insurgent Brands list — a coveted recognition of high-growth consumer products brands that are outpacing their categories and redefining growth in the FMCG space. Throughout my career, I have developed and executed integrated marketing strategies that accelerate revenue, strengthen brand equity, and expand market share. This includes leading digital, traditional, and promotional campaigns for both B2C and B2B audiences, as well as launching award-worthy and consumer-loved products that earn strong retailer velocity and customer loyalty.Known for my analytical mindset and problem-solving orientation, I bring strong intellectual curiosity and a bias for action to every challenge. I quickly identify opportunities, navigate complexity, and translate insight into practical, results-focused solutions. I’m comfortable taking calculated risks when they support long-term growth and competitive advantage.I’m passionate about partnering with purpose-driven organizations and collaborative leaders who value innovation, accountability, and customer experience. I’m especially interested in opportunities where I can help scale brands, mentor high-performing teams, and drive sustainable growth.If you’re building something meaningful and want a strategic and hands-on marketing leader at the table, let’s connect.

Experience

1. Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy

   Champion Foods LLC

   Feb 2021 — Present · Detroit, MI, US

   Lead and scale a high-performing, cross-functional marketing, innovation, and commercialization organization, driving 100%+ revenue growth over 10 years through disciplined brand strategy, portfolio expansion, and execution excellence- Created and help build Motor City Pizza Co. into one of the top-selling frozen pizza brands in the U.S, recognized by Bain & Company as an Insurgent Brand for category-disrupting growth- Own enterprise-wide brand and demand strategy across B2C and B2B channels (digital, social, retail media, PR, trade marketing, experiential, promotions), accelerating household penetration, velocity, and customer acquisition- Scaled two nationally distributed CPG brands from concept to shelf, achieving strong repeat purchase and sustained retail performance across major U.S. accounts- Lead end-to-end new product commercialization, including product strategy, positioning, pricing architecture, packaging systems, media investment, retailer sell-in, and in-store activation- Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Operations, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain to launch 50+ SKUs in three years, expanding portfolio breadth and strengthening category leadership- Drive portfolio and annual operating planning, setting revenue, margin, and growth targets while aligning teams to long-term enterprise strategy- Optimize manufacturing and co-packing partnerships, improving utilization and profitability through strategic network and capacity management- Build national trade show and field marketing programs, strengthening B2B pipeline, distributor engagement, and key account relationships- Promoted to Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy based on sustained performance, expanded leadership scope, and consistent delivery of revenue, brand equity, and organizational impact.

Education

• Detroit Catholic Central

  High School

  1993 — 1997

• Michigan State University

  BA, Advertising

  1997 — 2001

Skills

• Direct Mail
• Marketing Management
• Email Marketing
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Account Management
• Interactive Marketing
• Competitive Analysis
• Creative Direction
• Mobile Marketing
• Product Development
• Management
• Web Marketing
• Social Media
• Strategic Planning
• B2b Marketing
• Integrated Marketing
• New Media
• Public Relations
• Crm
• Marketing
• Revenue & Profit Growth
• SEO
• Sem
• Media Planning
• Online Marketing
• Brand Development
• B2b
• Direct Marketing
• Online Advertising
• Advertising
• Product Marketing
• Website Development
• Brand Awareness
• Digital Media
• Cpg Marketing
• Digital Strategy
• Digital Marketing
• Relationship Marketing
• Creative Strategy
• Leadership