Don Smith

Pioneer
DISC Type : sid

Chief Technology Officer at Santander Consumer USA

Dallas, Texas, United States

Overview

Don Smith is the Chief Technology Officer at Santander Consumer USA, where he leads technology transformation. With over 20 years of executive IT experience at firms like JPMorgan Chase and Black Knight, he is recognized as a strategic leader. People who have worked with him describe him as a visionary, disciplined, and focused leader.

Personality Overview

Dynamic But Sincere

Decisive But Friendly

Driven But Considerate

They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders)  They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product

Topics They Care About

Financial Technology
He has spent his career leading technology at major financial institutions and has spoken about modernizing payments technology to enhance customer experience and reduce costs.
IT Innovation
He was named the 2025 "IT Innovator of the Year" by The Millennium Alliance and frequently speaks at industry events on digital transformation in financial services.
Broadway & Theatre
He is a co-producer of the Broadway musical "Titanique," which has received multiple Tony Award nominations, reflecting a deep personal interest in the performing arts.

Media Appearances

Don Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Santander Consumer USA, Recognized as Our 2025 IT Innovator of the Year!. Featured in Mill-All

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Work History

12-2020
Chief Technology Officer at Santander Consumer USA
4-2017 - 8-2020
EVP & CIO at Common Securitization Solutions
4-2010 - 3-2017
Chief Technology Officer - RealEC Division at Black Knight Financial Services
9-2004 - 3-2010
Senior Vice President, Home Lending, Originations Technology at JPMorgan Chase
1-2001 - 8-2004
Senior Vice President, CTO, Electronic Channels at JPMorgan Chase

Education

1980 - 1982
Computer Science from Northeastern University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 39 Location : Dallas, Texas, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Technology Officer at Santander Consumer USA
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Insights For Selling To Don

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them for a lunch or coffee once some rapport has been established
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too
  • During followups, use calls or text if needed, they should be fine

DONT's

  • Don’t be very informal during the early interactions even if they are being so themselves
  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a formal approach

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Don is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Don

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Don move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can Don take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And Don

Personality Compatibility


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