Fortessa Tableware Solutions (FTS) announced the sudden passing of its CEO, Jeff Smith. Smith was 49.
Smith, who was with FTS for almost two decades, served as CFO and COO before being appointed CEO in March 2024.
“Jeff was more than our CEO; he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light for FTS,” said FTS Chief Revenue Officer Matt Broad, who was appointed acting CEO of the company. “His ability to lead with both vision and heart was unparalleled, and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.”
Smith led the company through its successful post-founder era and leaves the company, a member of the Zwiesel Fortessa Group, poised to build on his legacy, said Prof. Dr. Andreas Buske, CEO of Zwiesel Fortessa Group. “Jeff was uniquely suited for this transition, and we are grateful, thankful and proud for his leadership,” Burke said.
