Robert Smith

Founding Partner, Castanea Partners

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. Prior to co-founding Castanea Partners in 2001, Smith was Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Neiman Marcus Group Inc. where he was also co-CEO from 1999 to 2001 and had been a member of the Board of Directors since 1997. He was co-CEO of Harcourt General from 1999 until its sale in 2001, and was a director of the company in addition to his other management roles, including President and co-Chief Operating Officer. Before Harcourt General, Smith was President of General Cinema Companies and an associate consultant at Bain & Company, a leading strategy consulting firm. He received his BA from Harvard College and his MBA from Harvard University.