DroneUp names chief strategy officer

Virginia Beach-based DroneUp LLC announced Tuesday it has hired Carl Smit as its chief strategy officer.

In his new role, he will advise CEO Tom Walker and DroneUp’s senior leadership team to set the strategic direction of the company and focus on growing its retail drone delivery offerings. He will also oversee corporate development including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures.

“[Smit’s] experience in global retail, product development and innovation will be invaluable as we continue our record growth,” Walker said in a statement. “I look forward to Carl’s counsel and having him as part of our senior leadership team as we continue our leadership position in the retail drone delivery market.”

Smit started his career as a U.S. Navy SEAL and then spent nearly a decade working with Apple Inc. He also previously worked for Under Armour Inc. and then served as vice president of retail experience for Verizon Communications Inc. He most recently worked as an independent consultant to consumer electronics and retail clients.

Smit earned his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and his master’s degree in business administration from INSEAD.

During the COVID-19 crisis, DroneUp has been testing how drones can assist medical professionals in delivering test samples and personal protective equipment in no-contact, emergency situations. The company was founded in 2016 and provides aerial data collection, training, program integration and equipment sales. It has more than 10,000 certified drone pilots.

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