Vasily
Smertin

I am a Managing Director with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in automotive distribution, finance and single-family office management. I have held full P&L responsibility, built dealer networks and led teams across commercial and corporate functions.

As a child, I studied music. Later, my interest turned to engineering. I earned a degree in mechanical engineering at Moscow Automobile and Road Construction Technical University, then studied in London and completed an MBA at the University of East London.

I began in the automotive business with Toyota, Audi and Mazda, working close to customers, dealers and aftersales operations. At BRP's Russian distributor, I led importing, sales, service and regional partner development. During my tenure, turnover rose from approximately USD 200 million to USD 500 million, and the network reached 68 dealers, including 53 new openings.

As Executive Director of Hyundai Motor CIS, I held full P&L responsibility for a business with approximately USD 3 billion in annual revenue and 100,000 vehicle sales. I led sales, marketing, aftersales, logistics, finance and other corporate functions, and supported the launch of the St Petersburg manufacturing plant.

I later led a European single-family office and its ten-person investment and client services team. Alongside asset management and coordination with legal, tax and banking advisers, I helped shape the initial sales strategy of a portfolio EV dealership and managed an e-commerce project. I also defined the operating framework and engaged an external remote team of 200 content creators for a marketplace marketing initiative.

Most recently, I represented German investors in property and construction projects in Thailand and Malaysia. Across these roles, I work by understanding the business, making clear decisions and giving capable people the space and support to deliver.