Smithers-Oasis Appoints General Manager and Vice President of Strategic Business Development

KENT, Ohio, October 15, 2014 – Smithers-Oasis Company (www.smithersoasis.com) announces the appointment of Anne M. Stewart to General Manager and Robert M. Williams II to Vice President of Strategic Business Development for the North American floral group. Stewart will have responsibility for the floral products operations in North America, and Williams will be responsible for identifying emerging business opportunities.  Both will report to Robin M. Kilbride, President & CEO.

Prior to joining Smithers-Oasis Company, Anne M. Stewart served as senior vice president, sales and marketing for The Sherwin-Williams Company, and had responsibility for the paint and sundries business managing brands such as Krylon®, Purdy®, and Dutch Boy®. Previously, she was a vice president of sales for the company’s wood care line.

"With more than 30 years of experience in managing well-known brands and developing relationships with a broad customer base, Anne offers strong leadership and strategic thinking," said Kilbride. "Her knowledge of the retail landscape and solid understanding of working with business owners will give us a great advantage as we identify new opportunities."

Stewart earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science/Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Stewart now resides in Gates Mills, Ohio with her husband.  Her office will be located at the Kent, Ohio manufacturing facility.

Robert M. Williams II, previously Vice President of North America operations, will be serving in a business development role to further define the company’s direction and coordinate the business strategy and services between floral, postharvest and grower business units in North America. Williams brings more than 17 years of experience with the company in the floral and grower businesses to this new role.

“As our customers continue to broaden their markets and customer base, Smithers-Oasis Company is able to serve as a resource from farm to consumer with plant propagation to presentation of flowers and plants. Bob’s vision and insight will be extremely valuable as we define our role in this value chain,” said Kilbride. 

Williams is active in the industry serving as chairman of the Society of American Florists (SAF) and past president. He has served as the treasurer of the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association (WF&FSA). He has more than 40 years of business experience in industrial, retail and consumer brands. He will be located at the corporate office in Kent, Ohio.

About Smithers-Oasis Company
Smithers-Oasis Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of floral foam, floral accessories, postharvest products, and propagation media for the floriculture marketplace. The company has operations in 19 countries. Established in 1954 in Kent, Ohio, Smithers-Oasis Company’s brands include OASIS® Floral Products, Floralife® Postharvest Products, and OASIS® Grower Solutions.

Reporter Notes: Interviews available upon request
Smithers-Oasis Company
Media Contact: Jacque Sir Louis
Phone: 330-676-4416
E-mail: jsirlouis@smithersoasis.com