Jon D. Smith Jr., a longtime finance executive for Hearst and the Hearst Foundations, died suddenly on Feb. 11 in Millbrook, New York. He was 77.
Smith, who joined Hearst in 1986 and retired in 2011, most recently served as assistant treasurer and director of banking and corporate finance. In 2001, he was also appointed assistant treasurer of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and the Hearst Foundation, Inc. He resided in New York City.
“Jon Smith served our company with distinction for 25 years and our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Wendy,” said Hearst President and Chief Executive Officer Steven R. Swartz.
“Jon’s sound financial oversight made an important contribution to the Hearst Corporation during a period of great expansion and industry change,” said Frank A. Bennack Jr., executive vice chairman and former CEO of Hearst. “Later, as assistant treasurer of the Hearst Foundations, he contributed to bettering the lives of all who received its support. His commitment to nonprofit organizations outside of Hearst further demonstrated his desire to give back to the community.”
Prior to Hearst, Smith spent nine years at Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., where he was the associate director of treasury operations. Smith attended Lafayette College and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
He is survived by his spouse of 27 years, Wendy Smith. No funeral services are planned. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
