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Business Journals
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
South Florida ORBIE Leadership Award recipient: For World Fuel's Jeff Smith, innovation and a people-first culture are key to making an impact
Jeff Smith, who retired as chief operating officer of World Fuel Services at the end of 2023, has been named the recipient of the 2025 South Florida ORBIE Leadership Award. The honor recognizes a global career built on pioneering digital transformation and cultivating high-performing teams. Smith's leadership philosophy centers on a simple, yet powerful, idea: Talent and culture are the true differentiators of great companies. As COO of World Fuel Services, he turned that belief into action, cultivating efficiency and dexterity in how the company responded to challenges using LEAN principles and people-first decision-making. That operational precision was forged over more than 35 years of experience across continents and industries — from semiconductors to finance. Smith's career highlights, which he'll share during a keynote address at the South Florida ORBIE Awards celebration June 13 at The Diplomat Beach Resort, are a case study in iteration. At IBM, he led a global IT organization of 20,000 and spearheaded the company-wide Agile transformation. At Allied Signal/Honeywell, he launched a global SAP rollout across 17 countries, cutting projected timelines by more than half through an international team rooted in diversity of thought and unified by a shared goal. At Suncorp, following the economic downturn that started in 2008, he architected a transformation of the company's digital insurance self-service platform. His teams built it using the cloud, making the financial services provider one of the first to use cloud technology. In every challenge, Smith consistently applied what he learned early in his career at LSI Logic: that shared sacrifice, collective learning and scalable simplicity often outperform hierarchical command-and-control. 'My view is you should always give preference to the people doing the work over people leading the work,' he says. 'We're paid a premium to lead, so we should be homing in on creating a productive environment for them.' Smith breaks it down further: 'What does great mean? Is that small teams that are building great software? Does that mean great customer service? Does it mean that we can take a problem and break it up? I've spent my career kind of chasing that — the more you can make it clean and simple, the easier it is to scale.' His formula for high-performing teams prioritizes building diverse teams who are engaged by meaningful work. The work must be distributed at a sustainable pace, and finally, results must be continually measured and tracked. At IBM, he implemented a quarterly leadership review system that evaluated every leader on six tangible dimensions — team formation, work distribution, measurement, talent development, learning from others and influence. He also published Net Promoter Scores for leaders, asking direct reports whether they would recommend their manager or their squad to a peer. The transparency raised expectations and elevated performance across the organization. Smith's influence is still felt globally. He currently serves on the boards of ANZ Bank, PEXA and Sonrai Security. A native of Ohio and graduate of Miami University and San Jose State University, he's lived and led in the U.S., Australia and around the world. And while his accomplishments are many, what sets Smith apart is his ability to scale not just systems, but people. His advice to business leaders aspiring to be true community partners is to believe in the potential of people. He recalls a transformative insight from Steve Jobs, who once shared how Pixar hired musicians and artists to become software engineers because they had the grit and logic to succeed. 'We applied that in South Florida, too,' Smith says, 'creating career paths for people with nontraditional backgrounds. Don't look at it as a cost or as a contribution, that you're there to help people with money. You're there to help them find a great career and have a happy life. If you build the right environment, anyone can thrive.' Asked what makes a great leader, Smith advises not to get caught up in the noise of the company landscape. 'You want to create clarity of purpose, put together a good, productive environment, and inspire people to do great things. It's pretty simple.' From building software that transformed a global semiconductor industry, to reshaping IT at IBM, to coaching next-generation talent in Miami, Smith's legacy is one of clarity, compassion and continuous reinvention. The 2025 South Florida ORBIE Leadership Award celebrates not just a career, but a mindset — one that will continue to shape teams, cultures and companies for years to come.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ulta Beauty Shares Soar on Q1 Beat, Raised Guide
Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA) jumps 11.2% as its Unleashed turnaround delivers better-than-expected Q1 comp sales and a lifted outlook. In Q1, ULTA posted adjusted EPS of $6.70, handily topping forecasts, on a 4.4% sales rise that outpaced both Sephora and Amazon-driven market share gains. Management raised full-year guidance for revenue, EPS and comps, citing slowing share losses to prestige rivals and stronger teen and value-driven customer cohorts. Evercore's Michael Binetti points to Ulta's early momentum among teens and its blend of innovation-with-value as a competitive edge, while Morgan Stanley's Simeon Gutman sees comps potentially hitting 2.5% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026driving operating leverage and healthier margins. Digital growth also impressed: Ulta's online revenue climbed 10% despite Amazon's beauty push, aided by features like Split Cart and Shop My Store that boost engagement and defend digital share. CEO Kecia Steelman says these efforts are translating into stronger engagement, increased relevance and measurable business impact. UBS's Michael Lasser adds that rising Net Promoter Scores across stores and e-commerce demonstrate crisper execution. Investors should care because Ulta's dual-track recoveryrevived in-store comps plus robust digital gainssignals that its Unleashed initiative can sustain share gains and margin expansion, offsetting the headwinds that stalled growth last year. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
07-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
MICHEL SAVARD RETIRING FROM BELRON CANADA - ANTONIO (TONY) CIOFFI NAMED BELRON CANADA PRESIDENT Français
MONTREAL, May 7, 2025 /CNW/ - Belron ® Canada is proud to announce Tony Cioffi as its next President. Michel Savard, who has been Belron Canada's President since 2022, has made the decision to retire on July 31, 2025. Michel Savard joined Belron Canada 15 years ago as Vice President, Retail Operations. He transformed the business over his tenure by building high-performing teams, focusing on great execution and instilling ambitious standards. Through the years, he took on added responsibilities, including Wholesale Operations, Supply Chain and Franchising which prepared him to take on the presidency in 2022. Under Michel Savard's leadership, Belron Canada has evolved and strengthened its numerous business relationships with key partners such as insurers, fleet card companies, and key providers in the glass and automotive industry. Top this off with record employee engagement scores, outstanding Net Promoter Scores, record participation in the Spirit of Belron Challenge, the first win at the International Best of Belron competition, and unprecedented financial results. The legacy that Michel Savard is leaving behind will serve as a solid foundation for the continued success of the organization. "Tony is a dynamic, well-rounded leader with an impressive background, who will bring a lot to Belron Canada," said Savard. "He has a deep understanding of retail operations, and we are confident that the future of the company is in good hands with Tony." Since joining Belron Canada in 2023, Tony Cioffi has held the position of Vice President, Finance and Administration. During this time, he has led the strategic plan to continue to grow the business and has also led acquisition activities, closing four acquisitions in 12 months. "I believe in Belron Canada's culture, and I am convinced that we have the right leadership, experience and skills needed to achieve the company's goals", said Cioffi. "Our people are the backbone of the organization, and together we collaborate to delight our valued customers and partners. I look forward to driving our company forward while staying true to our purpose and values. It's an honour to assume this role and begin a new era in the company's history." Michel Savard will be transitioning with Tony Cioffi over the next three months until he retires. About Belron Canada Belron Canada is the Canadian division of Belron International, a company that brings unique expertise, strict security standards, personalized service, leading-edge technologies and a comprehensive training program that makes it an undisputed world leader in auto glass repair, replacement and ADAS camera recalibration. With a network of more than 330 service centres, 29 distribution centres / warehouses and more than 1,350 employees in the 10 provinces, Belron Canada provides a local service to its customers. Belron Canada stands out for its pan-Canadian presence with Lebeau vitres d'autos ®, DURO ®, Speedy Glass ®, Apple Auto Glass ® and Broco Auto Glass ® banners. About Belron International Operating in 40 countries across 6 continents through wholly owned and franchise operations, Belron is home to around 30,000 employees who serve over 16.6 million customers every year. Belron is one of the world's leading vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration groups. With market-leading brands, such as Safelite AutoGlass ®, Safelite ® Solutions, Carglass ®, Belron has a clear purpose: 'making a memorable difference with care'.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Epique Realty Defies Industry Norms - Focuses on Retention Instead of Growth with Key New Executive Hire
HOUSTON, TEXAS / / May 1, 2025 / Epique Realty is excited to announce the addition of Kathy Fowler as the company's new Director of Retention, a groundbreaking move that further demonstrates Epique's unshakeable dedication to the people already at the heart of its success: its agents. While much of the industry is busy with hard-charging recruiting and expansion, Epique is investing elsewhere - in building stronger loyalty, more meaningful relationships, and better career experiences for its existing agents. Kathy Fowler's vision will elevate that mission to new heights, injecting the agent experience at every touchpoint with new energy, strategy, and dedication. With over twenty years' service as a Realtor in Oklahoma, Kathy brought her commitment to her client's interest to Epique over a year ago. As a graduate of the respected NAR and OAR Leadership Programs, her exceptional dedication to client satisfaction earned her notable accolades, including the prestigious titles of Enid's REALTOR® of the Year in 2007 and the Oklahoma City Metro Association's REALTOR® of the Year in 2018. In her new role, Kathy will lead the creation and collaboration of Epique's Agent Retention Committee and Agent Advisory Board, two pillars that were built to promote transparency, agent advocacy, and real-time feedback. She will also oversee the company's agent satisfaction initiatives, such as tracking Net Promoter Scores (NPS) closely through frequent surveys and data-driven improvements. According to Kathy Fowler, Director of Retention, "At Epique Realty, retention isn't just about keeping agents-it's about empowering them to grow, thrive, and feel genuinely valued. I'm honored to join a company that puts people first and is redefining what support in real estate truly looks like." Beyond listening, Epique is taking action: Kathy will oversee the roll-out of new internal communications to create faster feedback loops, support agent aid mechanisms, and deliver a more personalized, engaged experience across the brokerage. From service enhancements to career path mapping, every move is designed to make Epique agents feel empowered, valued, and heard - every day. "Growth at Epique is not just about size - it's about getting better for those who already have faith in us," stated Josh Miller, CEO and Co-Founder. "The hiring of Kathy is not just a position - it's a statement. We are doubling down on making Epique the best home in real estate for our agents, and Kathy's energy, vision, and commitment to service are exactly what we need to take it to the next level." Janice Delcid, Co-Founder and CFO, highlighted, "Retention is not about incentives or contracts. It's about having a company culture that agents don't want to leave because they are respected, supported, and celebrated. Kathy gets that deeply, and she will be invaluable in helping us take our retention strategies, our agent voice platforms, and our continued focus on putting agents first to the next level." Chris Miller, Co-Founder and COO, added, "While other brokerages are competing to hire more people, we're competing to get better. With Kathy leading the charge, we're raising the bar on what it takes to truly service agents, from the moment they become a part of our team to each and every milestone thereafter. She will make sure each and every agent at Epique experiences the difference of belonging to something bigger - a movement, not just a brokerage." Epique Realty's decision to expand its agent-first philosophy through formal programs like the Agent Advisory Board, real-time NPS tagging, retention strategies, and customer-focused channels of care reflects a change-driven vision: a vision where agents are not just participants, but true partners in shaping the future of the company. Kathy Fowler's appointment marks a powerful new chapter in Epique's evolution - one driven by service, inspired by imagination, and built on the unmatched strength of its people. About Epique Realty Epique Realty is a revolutionary brokerage disrupting the industry with its agent-first model. Committed to empowering agents to thrive and succeed, Epique Realty provides state-of-the-art and AI technology, industry-defining benefits, extraordinary support, and a wealth of resources, free to all agents. Epique Realty operates in over thirty-five states with a solid foundation of inclusion, originality, and integrity for innovative agents. With record-breaking growth and an unstoppable vision, Epique is shaping the future-one bold step at a time. #BeEpique Barbara Simpson | PR and Communications 281-773-7842 | Barbara@ SOURCE: Epique Realty View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Arabian Business
31-03-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi transforms sick leave attestation with online service
Abu Dhabi workers are able to get sick leave attestation and essential bereavement services online as the emirate's health authorities embrace digital transformation. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) is at the forefront of digital transformation, making significant strides in enhancing healthcare services and improving community well-being. With most healthcare services in Abu Dhabi digitalised, such as Sanadkom and the Sick Leave Attestation Service on TAMM, DoH is reshaping the healthcare experience of all citizens and residents by streamlining processes, optimising efficiency and ensuring accessibility, further establishing Abu Dhabi's leadership in digital government excellence. Abu Dhabi sick leave Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: 'Initiatives such as Sanadkom and the Sick Leave Attestation Service highlight our commitment to innovation and digital transformation in healthcare. 'By streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility, we are redefining the healthcare experience, empowering individuals and communities alike. 'These initiatives are integral to our broader vision of building one of the world's most intelligent and efficient healthcare systems, driven by patient-centred solutions and the pursuit of continuous excellence.' Sanadkom simplifies administrative procedures and eliminates bureaucratic hurdles for bereaved families and now serves more than 2.9m citizens and residents in Abu Dhabi, ensuring a seamless, compassionate experience during their most difficult times. The initiative, integrated with seven government entities, transforms death-related administrative processes from several months to just a few days, alleviating emotional burden enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, the Sick Leave Attestation Service on the TAMM platform is, a fully digital solution that has revolutionised the process of obtaining official medical leave certificates. By eliminating the need for physical visits, the service has slashed processing times by 83 per cent, reducing them from six minutes to as little as one minute. Through integration with the Human Resources Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the system has also reduced errors by 39 per cent, ensuring greater accuracy and accessibility for users and boosting customer satisfaction to an impressive 94 per cent. Innovative features like smart alerts, SMS notifications, and an improved interface have streamlined the process, enhancing user confidence and loyalty rates. This is reflected in the significant rise of Customer Effort Scores and Net Promoter Scores, highlighting the initiative's positive impact on the customer journey. Khalaf Helal Al Mazrouei, Director General of Corporate Enablement and Community Services at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: 'Now more than ever, the digitalisation of services is essential for enhancing accessibility and efficiency. 'The healthcare sector is at the forefront of this transformation in Abu Dhabi, providing citizens and residents with vital services just a click away, ensuring we meet their needs in a rapidly evolving environment.' By integrating customer feedback and leveraging data analytics, DoH remains focused on enhancing its services and anticipating the evolving needs of the community, setting new benchmarks in patient care, ensuring that healthcare in Abu Dhabi remains efficient, accessible, and in line with global best practices. In recognition of their outstanding achievements, DoH received two prestigious awards at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Effortless Customer Experience Awards by the Department of Government Enablement (DGE) including the Best Life Moment Award for the Sanadkom Initiative and Special Recognition for the Sick Leave Attestation Service.
