Clara Smith has been appointed as Vice President of Strategy & Transformation at Seco Tools, effective immediately. In her new role, Clara will join the Seco Management Group (SMG) and report directly to Stefan Steenstrup, President of Seco Tools. She will be based in the United Kingdom.
Clara brings extensive experience in strategy, transformation, and leadership, with a proven track record of implementing significant changes in large organizations. Her expertise spans market and operational strategy development, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), cross-border antitrust, and corporate transformation.
Before joining Seco Tools, Clara served as Group Head of Market Strategy at Hitachi Rail, where she played a crucial role in shaping global market and operations strategy. Her responsibilities included driving both organic and inorganic growth across various regions and business lines. Additionally, Clara led several key corporate initiatives for the Hitachi Group, such as projects on decarbonization and contributions to COP26. Her diverse experience also includes roles in consumer goods and development banks, providing her with a broad perspective on different industries. Clara holds degrees from Oxford University and New York University.
“With her strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and ability to drive change, Clara is well-positioned to lead Seco’s Strategy & Transformation efforts into the future. Clara’s experience makes her an excellent fit for this position,” said Stefan Steenstrup, President of Seco Tools.
In her new role, Clara will play a vital part in setting the strategic direction for Seco Tools. She will focus on driving overall company improvements and increasing efficiency through cross-functional collaboration. Clara will also lead the execution of strategic business planning and M&A-related activities. Moreover, she will be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, including strategic partnerships.
Clara’s mandate includes leveraging digitalization, pursuing new acquisitions, and optimizing the current operating model to strengthen Seco Tools’ leading market position and lay a solid foundation for additional revenue growth.
Her appointment marks a significant step for Seco Tools as the company continues to innovate and expand its market presence. Clara’s leadership is expected to drive substantial growth and transformation, ensuring Seco Tools remains at the forefront of the industry.
