Robert Smith is a Founding Partner of Castanea Partners and has 15 years of senior executive management and operating experience in the consumer products, retail, professional publishing and education sectors.

Formerly, Robert was Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Neiman Marcus Group Inc. (NYSE: NMGA) where he was also co-CEO from 1999 to 2001 and had been a member of the Board of Directors since 1997. Previously at the Neiman Marcus Group, he held the positions of President and Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to co-founding Castanea Partners in 2001, Robert was co-CEO of Harcourt General from 1999 until its sale in 2001, and was a director of the company from 1989 to 2001. At Harcourt General, Robert held several management roles, including President and co-Chief Operating Officer. Before Harcourt General, Robert was President of General Cinema Companies. Before joining General Cinema Corporation (predecessor to Harcourt General), Robert was an associate consultant at Bain & Company, a leading strategy consulting firm. He currently serves on the National Retail Federation Board.

Robert received his AB from Harvard College and his MBA from Harvard University.

Robert is a Trustee of the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation, and the Stoneman Family Foundation. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the Children’s Hospital, Facing History & Ourselves, Pan-Mass Challenge, Jumpstart, and the Harvard Committee on University Resources. He has previously served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School and the Institute of Contemporary Art.

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