Kelly Smith, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling’s vice president of finance for the Americas, has been selected as a Leader in Excellence in the 2025 Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE) Pros to Know awards.
This accolade honors industry leaders with more than a decade of experience in supply chain and logistics who have made contributions to the field. Smith’s recognition underscores her track record across various functional areas, including key leadership roles in sales, major accounts, finance, and marketing.
“One of Kelly’s greatest competitive advantages as a leader at Hyster-Yale and in the industry at large, stems from her comprehensive background and profound understanding of our organization and dealer network,” said Chuck Pascarelli, president of the Americas, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, an associate member of the Southern Forest Products Association. “Her exceptional skill-building talents and experience across the enterprise make her uniquely capable to tackle and resolve complex challenges, thereby positioning Hyster-Yale, our Hyster® and Yale® dealers and, most importantly, our customers for success.”
Smith most recently led the global and major accounts teams, dedicated to serving and supporting the company’s top target accounts. In this role, Smith aligned internal and dealer teams to focus on identifying and delivering what customers needed — whether standard or customized lift truck solutions, technology innovations, or personalized service or support.
Smith began her current role as vice president of finance, Americas for Hyster-Yale in December 2024. This shift marks a return to her finance roots, which started at the dealer level more than 26 years ago as controller and later as vice president of finance and systems. She also serves as a director on the Hyster-Yale Financial Services board and as an officer for Americas Lift Trucks and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Canada.
Smith was also a founding member of the Women in Leadership employee resource group at Hyster-Yale.