Mark Smith is a seasoned global talent leader with over 20 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, and Talent Management. Currently serving as Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic, a leading medical technology company, Mark oversees a global team that drives innovative hiring solutions to advance Medtronic’s mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending lives. Under his leadership, Medtronic’s TA team has consistently delivered excellence across more than 150 countries, supporting a workforce of over 90,000 professionals. Mark’s team plays a pivotal role in ensuring Medtronic continues to lead in healthcare innovation, addressing 70 health conditions and impacting millions of patients globally.
Throughout his career, Mark has led talent functions at industry giants such as Randstad, Caterpillar, Amazon, SC Johnson, and Kraft Heinz. His global expertise spans multiple sectors and geographies, enabling him to build diverse, high-performing teams and transform recruitment models to meet the ever-evolving needs of the business. Known for his strategic foresight and commitment to operational excellence, Mark is a firm believer in servant leadership—fostering cultures of trust, authenticity, and innovation in every organization he serves.
Born and raised in Leicester, United Kingdom, Mark brings a unique cross-cultural perspective, having worked across Europe, the United States, and other global regions. Now based in Stillwater, Minnesota, he balances his professional life with personal passions, including boxing, soccer, music, and reading. A dedicated family man, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Audrey, and their two beloved German shorthaired pointers, Sherlock and Reddington. He holds both a BA in Human Resources & Marketing and an MA in Management of Human Resources from De Montfort University in Leicester.
