Indianapolis, October 19th / PRNewswire / -- Trends International, LLC is a leading publisher and manufacturer of authorized posters, calendars, stickers, wall art, and social stationery products. The company announced today that Kenneth Smith has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective from May 2026.
Smith will be responsible for the company's overall strategic direction, as well as growth initiatives covering retail, wholesale, e-commerce, licensing, and direct-to-consumer businesses. In this role, Smith will also manage Trends International and its digital business portfolio, which includes Art.com and AllPosters.com.
As Trends International enters a new phase of expansion, the company will focus on expanding its retail business coverage, accelerating the development of e-commerce, strengthening strategic customer relationships, developing new products and new authorizations, and seeking partnerships and business opportunities.
"I am honored to lead Trends International and to build upon the solid foundation laid by the company, its founders, and its talented employees," said Kenneth Smith. "We possess an excellent brand, licensing, product, and customer relationship portfolio, and we see significant opportunities for driving business growth. Our focus will be on strengthening retail partnerships, accelerating our digital business, developing innovative products, and creating new strategic opportunities that bring value to our customers, consumers, licensees, and partners."
Expand the layout of retail and digital businesses
Under the leadership of Smith, Trends International will continue to invest in its core retail business while also expanding its digital commerce capabilities.
The company's focus is on deepening relationships with large retailers, expanding distribution, improving product display, and developing new product platforms in order to create additional sales opportunities.
Trends will continue to build upon Trends Digital, integrating the company's e-commerce capabilities and creating a platform for future digital growth and potential e-commerce mergers and acquisitions.
The company's digital business portfolio includes Art.com and AllPosters.com, providing consumers with millions of images, posters, prints, wall art, and accompanying decorative products.
“Trends has a tremendous opportunity to continue developing on the foundation of its heritage, while also positioning the company for the future,” said Smith. “We focus on growth, but equally important is how we achieve it—through solid customer partnerships, rigorous execution, innovation, and a culture that empowers employees to succeed.”
Strategic Focus
The leadership agenda of Smith includes the following key areas:
- Retail growth – expanding cooperation and sales with national large retailers and specialized channels.
- Product Innovation – Developing new product formats, displays, and seasonal offerings to create incremental retail opportunities.
- Digital Commerce – Accelerating the Growth of Trends Digital, Art.com, and AllPosters.com.
- Strategic Cooperation – Establish new authorizations, brand, and business partnerships to expand the company's market opportunities.
- Operational excellence – Enhance organizational collaboration, processes, technology, and the execution capability of various business lines.
- Talent and Culture – Building a high-performing team focused on responsibility, innovation, customer service, and sustainable growth.
“Kenneth has brought outstanding leadership, customer orientation, and business expansion experience to Trends International,” said Phil St, founder and co-executive chairman of Trends International. “His vision for the company, as well as his commitment to customers, employees, and partners, make him the right leader to usher in this new chapter. We are full of anticipation for the future of Trends International and its business.”
About Kenneth Smith
Kenneth Smith is an experienced corporate executive with a background in sales leadership, strategic customer development, business expansion, customer relations, and organizational transformation. Throughout her career, Smith has focused on formulating strategic growth initiatives, building high-performing teams, and establishing long-term cooperative relationships with key customers and business partners.
As the President and CEO of Trends International, Smith is responsible for the company's overall strategy, growth, organizational leadership, and business performance.
About Trends International
Trends International and LLC is a leading publisher and manufacturer of licensed posters, calendars, stickers, wall art, and social stationery products. Founded in 1987, the company's business is built on a solid cooperative relationship among licensors, retailers, and licensees. Today, the company distributes a wide range of licensed and own-brand products through major retail channels, professional channels, and digital platforms.
Art.com was acquired by Trends International in 2023. It is a leading online specialty retailer that specializes in high-quality wall art and related decorative products. This business offers millions of images and products through its digital commerce platform and interactive visualization tools.
AllPosters.com is also part of the Trends International business system, providing consumers with a rich selection of posters, prints, and wall decorations.
For more information regarding Trends International, Art.com, AllPosters.com, or Kenneth Smith, please contact:
