Mark Smotroff has 20 years of award-winning marketing communications expertise, creating and implementing strategic campaigns for cutting-edge consumer and professional technology companies including DTS, AT&T, Sony, Sharp, Acclaim Entertainment, Sega, 3DO, D-Box, Thomson/GE and many others. Mark is currently affiliated with e5 Marketing, a full-service virtual marketing agency with staff on both coasts. Smotroff also works collaboratively with other marketing talents as needed to advance a clients objectives.
A founding member of San Francisco-based Access Communications (employee #1), Mark also previously held executive positions (1984-1999) with national agencies including Ketchum Communications (SF), Dorf & Stanton (NY) and Geltzer & Company (NY). Mark’s notable awards over the years include the PRSA Silver Anvil (for the AT&T EO Personal Communicator launch), three Mercury Awards (3DO, AT&T EO, Intuit), two IABC Bay Area Bests Merit Awards (AT&T EO, Sega), PRSA’s Northern Calif. Compass Award (Intuit’s Quicken) and – perhaps most importantly – the “Good Samaritan Award” News Media Audit of Bay Area PR, judged by 186 reporters and producers.
Mark’s (1999-2001) work as Director of Marketing Communications for TuneTo.com put the innovative start-up on the map and set the stage for its acquisition by Listen.com/Real Networks (Rhapsody service), including feature coverage in The Wall Street Journal (twice in one year!), “CNN Headline News” and The San Jose Mercury News.
Mark has an outstanding track record in bringing new technologies, products and services into the public eye in conjunction with core marketing, promotional and sales efforts. A senior-level executive with a proven grassroots approach, Mark is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to achieve stellar results for his clients, be it an appearance on “The Today Show”, an article in The New York Times, or a high-profile event/promotion.
In addition, Mark has penned many articles (by-lined and ghost-written) for mainstream consumer and trade publications including Mix Magazine (Les Paul Box Set feature), EQ (Brian Wilson Pet Sounds Box Set cover feature), AV Video, Millimeter, Discoveries, High Performance Review and others. His extensive broadcast experience includes production and direction of B-roll reels, video news releases (VNR) and other promotional videos. A front-line trade-show warrior, Mark has more completed more than 40 tours-of-duty at industry events ranging from annual treks to the Consumer Electronics Show and E3 to Comdex and PC Expo.
On a more personal note, Mark is also an aspiring songwriter, producer and guitarist, playing with his group ing, which recently had one of its songs used on the WB program “Smallville.”
“Over the years that DTS has worked with Mark, we have found a true partner that never ceases to be proactive and enthusiastic, and who is always examining new approaches to accomplish our goals. Mark and his team have been truly integral to our success and increased visibility in a competitive market.“
Kristin Thomson
Former Director of Public Relations
DTS
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark on many key public relations initiatives for our GE brand over the past several years. Mark brings an incredible professional and personal passion to the business that truly generates results. He has played a pivotal role in securing positive coverage in national newspapers, magazines and broadcast networks for our recent product launches. During press events, I have yet to see anyone work a room as effectively has Mark. Whether in client meetings, talking with the press, or during a social event, Mark makes every occasion impactful and fun.”
Doug DeLor
Director, Americas Marketing & Communications
Thomson Consumer Electronics
