Smithers Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Smithers has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, pharmaceutical development, and operational management.

Focused on delivering rigorous testing and compliance solutions, Smithers empowers global industries through technical expertise and specialized consulting services that ensure product safety and market readiness.

Leadership Roles at Smithers

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Hochschwender
  • President and Chief Executive Officer - AKRON-Michael Hochschwender
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Spitz
  • President - Larry Smithers
  • President, Pharmaceutical Development Services - Christina Satterwhite
  • President - Jeanette Preston
  • Michael Hochschwender - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Hochschwender, the Chief Executive Officer at Smithers, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Hochschwender manages the integration of testing, consulting, and compliance services across the transportation, life science, and energy sectors. By aligning internal resources with evolving global market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains its competitive edge in material science and packaging validation. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence. Michael Hochschwender monitors performance metrics across all business units to guarantee that client requirements for quality and regulatory adherence remain met. Through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the company's footprint in international markets. Ultimately, Hochschwender fosters a culture of technical precision and client-focused innovation that defines the organization's reputation for reliability and scientific integrity.
    Michael Hochschwender

    AKRON-Michael Hochschwender - President and Chief Executive Officer

    AKRON-Michael Hochschwender, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Smithers, executes the daily operational mandates and high-level business objectives of the firm. AKRON-Michael Hochschwender oversees the alignment of testing laboratories and consulting divisions to ensure seamless service delivery for clients in the consumer and materials industries. By optimizing internal workflows, the President and Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency across the organization's diverse service portfolio. This role requires constant interaction with department heads to synchronize technical capabilities with client-specific compliance needs. The President and Chief Executive Officer manages the firm's resource allocation to support complex projects in the transportation and energy sectors. Through rigorous oversight of service quality, the executive ensures that all testing protocols meet international standards. Ultimately, the President and Chief Executive Officer maintains the company's commitment to providing actionable data and expert guidance to partners worldwide.

    Brian Spitz - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Spitz, the Chief Financial Officer at Smithers, directs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Spitz manages capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting to support the firm's expansion into life science and packaging markets. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet while investing in advanced testing infrastructure. This leadership role involves close coordination with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new service offerings and geographic expansion initiatives. Brian Spitz oversees the financial risk management framework, protecting the firm against volatility in the global energy and transportation sectors. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the company's long-term growth objectives. Ultimately, Spitz provides the financial stability necessary for the organization to continue delivering high-value consulting and compliance services to a diverse global client base.
    Brian Spitz

    Larry Smithers - President

    Larry Smithers, the President at Smithers, directs the strategic development of the firm's material science and packaging testing divisions. Smithers oversees the technical teams responsible for evaluating product durability and performance across the consumer and transportation industries. By driving innovation in testing methodologies, the President ensures that the company remains at the forefront of regulatory compliance and material validation. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive consulting services that address complex client challenges. Larry Smithers coordinates with other executives to align service capabilities with emerging market needs in the energy and life science sectors. Through the implementation of advanced testing protocols, the President enhances the value proposition for clients seeking reliable data for product development. Ultimately, Smithers maintains the firm's commitment to technical excellence and operational efficiency, ensuring that all testing services meet the highest standards of accuracy and industry relevance.

    Christina Satterwhite - President, Pharmaceutical Development Services

    Christina Satterwhite, the President, Pharmaceutical Development Services at Smithers, directs the specialized testing and consulting operations within the life science sector. Satterwhite oversees the development of analytical services that support pharmaceutical clients in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. By managing the laboratory infrastructure and scientific teams, the President, Pharmaceutical Development Services ensures that all testing protocols adhere to global compliance standards. This leadership role involves collaborating with industry partners to provide critical data for drug development and safety assessments. Christina Satterwhite drives the expansion of service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on quality and precision. Through strategic oversight of research initiatives, the President, Pharmaceutical Development Services supports the firm's mission to provide actionable information for life science customers. Ultimately, Satterwhite ensures that the organization delivers superior scientific support that accelerates the path to market for essential pharmaceutical products.
    Christina Satterwhite

    Jeanette Preston - President

    Jeanette Preston, the President at Smithers, directs the operational strategy for the firm's consumer and energy industry service lines. Preston oversees the integration of testing and compliance solutions that help clients optimize product performance and safety. By managing the delivery of specialized consulting services, the President ensures that the company meets the rigorous demands of global energy and consumer goods markets. This leadership role involves coordinating with technical experts to develop innovative testing frameworks that address emerging industry challenges. Jeanette Preston monitors operational performance to maintain high standards of service quality and client satisfaction. Through the alignment of resources and expertise, the President drives the growth of the firm's service portfolio in key geographic regions. Ultimately, Preston ensures that the organization provides the critical insights and compliance support necessary for clients to succeed in competitive and highly regulated environments.
    Jeanette Preston

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Smithers Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Smithers?
    Smithers is led by Michael Hochschwender (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as AKRON-Michael Hochschwender (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Brian Spitz (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Smithers’s executive team?
    The executive team of Smithers includes leaders such as Michael Hochschwender (Chief Executive Officer), AKRON-Michael Hochschwender (President and Chief Executive Officer), Brian Spitz (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Smithers have?
    Smithers has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Smithers’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Smithers includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Pharmaceutical Development Services.