Meet Martin Smith - Non-Executive Chairman

Martin Smith

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I am married to Justine, and we have two grown up sons and two dogs. Our family home is in South Cambridgeshire although I grew up in Cumbria, with both the Lakes District and Yorkshire Dales on my doorstep. I went to University in South Wales and have also spent time living in London during the early part of my career.

I have spent over thirty years working with businesses and not for profit organisations, both nationally and globally in the legal, financial, compliance and risk management sectors. Previous Executive roles include Publishing Director of GEE/Sweet & Maxwell (Thomson Reuters), Commercial Director of BSI British Standards, Managing Director of Croner (Walters Kluwer), and CEO of Alcumus.

Over the last ten years I have been a Non-Executive Chair of various Private Equity backed business and am currently Chair of Independent Governance Group, TopSource Worldwide, AuditComply as well as Cosegic.

I am Patron of the military charity Team Endeavour, which supports the children and families of the armed forces who are suffering through illness, hardship and poverty, and a Member of the Board of Trustees at The National Emergencies Trust. I am also a Leadership Fellow at St George’s House, Windsor Castle.

What excites you about Cosegic?

Cosegic is a great regulatory business with talented people, that operates in a fragmented and growing market. We are backed by MML, a supportive growth investor who work in partnership with their management teams. There are so many ways that Cosegic can develop over the coming years both in the UK and internationally.

What is the most rewarding part of your role at Cosegic?

Working with the Board, investors and wider leadership team and supporting the delivery of our vision and ambitious growth plan.

What areas do you see as the biggest challenges, and what opportunities come with them?

There are so many opportunities to grow and develop Cosegic, the big challenge is one of prioritisation and sequencing.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Focus on the things that make a difference and are in your control. Do not waste your time worrying about things that are out of your control.

Describe yourself in three words.

Focused, determined, energetic.

Outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Family, friends and travel.

A few years ago, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and in October this year I am trekking to Everest Base Camp – so at the moment a lot of walking and fitness training!