DroneUp Appoints Former Apple Executive as Chief Strategy Officer

Virginia Beach, Virginia, January 19, 2021 – DroneUp announced today that Carl Smit had been named Chief Strategy Officer. Smit will advise the CEO Tom Walker and the senior leadership team to set DroneUp’s strategic direction, focusing on growing the company’s retail drone delivery portfolio and capabilities. Reporting to Walker, Smit will also oversee corporate development initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures.

“Carl brings an exceptional combination of business acumen and strategic insights to the Chief Strategy Officer role,” Walker said. “His experience in global retail, product development, and innovation will be invaluable as we continue our record growth. I look forward to Carl’s counsel and having him as part of our senior leadership team as we continue our leadership position in the retail drone delivery market.”

Smit has extensive experience. He began his career as a U.S. Navy SEAL, and out of the military, Smit quickly transitioned into retail, where he spent nearly a decade at Apple. Smit negotiated the first iPod, and the iPhone retail accessory line launched Apple Retail in China and managed its global retail iPhone business. Smit left Apple shortly after Steve Job’s death to help Under Armour develop its worldwide retail and wholesale go-to-market strategy. Smit transitioned to Verizon as the Vice President of Retail Experience, spending his time focused on Verizon’s future-of-retail. Smit has recently been an independent consultant helping private equity firms assess consumer electronics and retail investments with an eye towards retail innovation.

Smit has a bachelor’s of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from INSEAD. A two-time 505 World Champion, he spends his free time sailboat racing and with his wife, twin eight-year-old boys, and fourteen-year-old daughter.

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About DroneUp

DroneUp is the leading complete drone services provider, transforming businesses and government organizations with drone technology solutions. DroneUp’s diverse suite of products includes flight services, data analysis, drone program development, regulatory consulting, training, equipment, and Part 107 drone delivery. Recognized as a UAS industry pioneer with patented mobile app technology and a commitment to research and development, DroneUp further fuels invention and application across private and public sectors. With our people, services, and innovative solutions, DroneUp delivers on operational challenges with efficiency, reliability, and safety. For more information: https://www.droneup.com.