Smithers Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Smithers has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and pharmaceutical development services.

Committed to rigorous testing and compliance standards, Smithers delivers essential consulting and information services to global industries, ensuring product safety and performance across transportation, life science, and energy sectors.

Leadership Roles at Smithers

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Hochschwender
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Spitz
  • President - Aj McCardell
  • President - Jeanette Preston
  • President, Pharmaceutical Development Services - Christina Satterwhite
  • 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 diverse sectors including transportation and energy. By aligning internal resources with evolving market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains its reputation for technical excellence. Michael Hochschwender oversees the executive leadership team to drive sustainable growth and operational efficiency on a global scale. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of industry trends to maintain a competitive edge in materials and packaging testing. Through the implementation of robust governance frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of precision and reliability. Ultimately, Hochschwender secures the firm's position as a trusted partner for clients requiring complex regulatory support and advanced technical information services.
    Michael Hochschwender

    Brian Spitz - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Spitz, the Chief Financial Officer at Smithers, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire enterprise. Spitz oversees financial planning, reporting, and risk management to support the company's expansion into new testing and compliance markets. By optimizing the balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer ensures sufficient liquidity for investments in advanced laboratory infrastructure and technical talent. Brian Spitz coordinates with the executive team to align budgetary priorities with the firm's long-term growth objectives in the life science and consumer industries. This role involves rigorous oversight of financial controls to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance across all international operations. Through the analysis of market performance data, the Chief Financial Officer drives profitability and operational efficiency. Ultimately, Spitz provides the financial stability necessary for the organization to deliver high-quality consulting and information services to a global client base.
    Brian Spitz

    Aj McCardell - President

    Aj McCardell, the President at Smithers, directs the operational execution and service delivery for the company's core testing and materials divisions. McCardell oversees the daily management of laboratory operations, ensuring that all testing protocols meet the stringent requirements of the transportation and packaging industries. By streamlining workflows, the President enhances the speed and accuracy of technical reporting for clients. Aj McCardell collaborates with department heads to scale service capabilities and integrate new testing methodologies into the existing portfolio. This leadership role involves managing regional operational teams to ensure consistent service quality across diverse geographic markets. Through the optimization of resource allocation, the President drives productivity and maintains high standards of compliance. Ultimately, McCardell supports the firm's mission by delivering reliable, data-driven insights that help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and improve product performance.

    Jeanette Preston - President

    Jeanette Preston, the President at Smithers, leads the strategic development and market expansion for the firm's consumer and energy sector services. Preston oversees the growth of specialized consulting and compliance programs, ensuring alignment with the specific needs of clients in these high-demand industries. By fostering innovation in service delivery, the President expands the company's footprint in emerging markets. Jeanette Preston coordinates with technical teams to develop new testing solutions that address evolving safety and performance standards. This leadership role involves managing client relationships and identifying opportunities for cross-functional collaboration within the organization. Through the implementation of targeted business development initiatives, the President drives revenue growth and strengthens the firm's market position. Ultimately, Preston ensures that the company remains at the forefront of industry trends by providing actionable information and expert guidance to a diverse range of global stakeholders.
    Jeanette Preston

    Christina Satterwhite - President, Pharmaceutical Development Services

    Christina Satterwhite, the President, Pharmaceutical Development Services at Smithers, directs the specialized testing and consulting operations dedicated to the life science industry. Satterwhite oversees the development of comprehensive service packages that support pharmaceutical clients through complex regulatory and development cycles. By managing high-level technical teams, the President ensures that all laboratory processes adhere to global quality standards and compliance requirements. Christina Satterwhite collaborates with the executive leadership to integrate pharmaceutical development services into the broader corporate strategy. This role involves overseeing the expansion of testing capabilities to meet the needs of global drug development programs. Through the application of deep industry expertise, the President, Pharmaceutical Development Services drives operational excellence and client satisfaction. Ultimately, Satterwhite secures the firm's reputation as a critical partner for life science companies seeking reliable, high-quality data to support product development and regulatory approval.
    Christina Satterwhite

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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 Brian Spitz (Chief Financial Officer) and Aj McCardell (President).
    Who is part of Smithers’s executive team?
    The executive team of Smithers includes leaders such as Michael Hochschwender (Chief Executive Officer), Brian Spitz (Chief Financial Officer), Aj McCardell (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Smithers have?
    Smithers has 5 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, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, Pharmaceutical Development Services.