Taryn Ryan.
PORTLAND, Oregon—Smith Optics has announced the appointment of Taryn Ryan as global head of marketing. Ryan brings over a decade of comprehensive brand and product go-to-market experience to Smith to help drive strategy, growth, brand awareness and loyalty across all aspects of the business. Ryan, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, joined Luxottica Group in 2008 as a buyer for Sunglass Hut and was promoted to business manager for the sport portfolio in 2010 with a focus on the Oakley brand across Africa and the Middle East.

In 2017, she relocated to Milan to take on the role of hand of brand management for Oakley. Her successes include the development of Oakley’s optical category.

Ryan joins Smith after a year of record sales in 2021. Her role will support the growth of the company by overseeing all aspects of marketing, communication, public relations and trade merchandising across wholesale, retail and digital channels around the world. Ryan will relocate to Portland, Oregon to work at Smith's headquarters.

She reports to Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni, president and global general manager at Smith. Outside the office, Ryan is completing an Executive MBA at IE Business School in Madrid, and will graduate at the end of 2022.

Ryan said, “Smith has such a rich and long history backed by a powerful portfolio of product innovation that continues to engage and invite new customers year after year. As the first female head of marketing for Smith, I’m proud to join the leadership team of a dedicated and inclusive brand, and look forward to sharing my voice and experience to further the growth and development of our products, stories and technologies to all outdoor adventurers, enthusiasts and athletes.”

Ryan can be reached at taryn.ryan@smithoptics.com.