Robert H Smith is an expert in banking and management as a result of fifty plus years in banking leadership, investment banking and consulting. This experience is highlighted by his role as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Security Pacific Corporation and Security Pacific Bank, which during the late 80’s became the 5th largest banking company in the United States. Security Pacific fell under hard times in the early 90’s and under Smith’s leadership successfully merged with the Bank of America, preserving shareholder value and the career of many fine executives and employees
Smith is a graduate of the University of Southern California and earned a law degree from Van Norman University. He more recently received a Certificate in Management Studies from the Said Business School at Oxford University. He has authored several books including Dead Bank Walking: One Gutsy Bank’s Struggle for Survival, Boardroom Confidential, Bye Bye Banks, The Changed Face of Banking and Confessions of a Catholic Convert. Smith has also written numerous articles and lectured on leadership, banking the changing banking industry. He was also a founding director of Commerce National Bank in Orange County and has served on numerous public and private boards, including six NYSE companies, two major universities, two public boards and several charitable organizations.