Technology & business strategy
Helping boards and executive teams connect technology decisions to business priorities, investment choices, and a practical path forward.
DOUG SMITH · EXECUTIVE ADVISOR
Perspective earned
by doing the work.
I work with boards, executives, and founders on the decisions that connect technology, capital, and business performance.
Let’s talkEXPERIENCE
A career on both sides
of the decision.
Over three decades, I’ve held executive roles at McKesson and Cleveland Clinic and partner roles at Alvarez & Marsal in New York and Wavestone in Paris. That experience shapes how I advise: understand the business, ask the difficult questions, and stay close to execution.
Today, I’m Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Acacia Advisors and a founding partner of Kudu Holdings, focused on applied AI for enterprise and industrial businesses. DHS Advisors is my independent practice for direct executive advisory engagements.
SELECTED EXPERIENCEMcKessonCleveland ClinicAlvarez & MarsalWavestone
WHERE I HELP
Clarity for consequential decisions.
AI & enterprise modernization
Assessing where AI can create value, what needs to change underneath it, and how to move from an idea to something an organization can use.
Operating performance & governance
Bringing clarity to technology spend, operating models, cybersecurity, and the accountability needed to turn a plan into results.
BEYOND ADVISORY
Still building. Still learning.
Alongside my advisory and investment work, I’m building marine hospitality and technology ventures, including MyBoatOS, a platform for vessel operations. Working on real products and businesses keeps me close to customers, operating economics, and the practical realities of adopting AI.
I also serve on the Palm Beach American Cancer Society Executive Board.
DIRECT ENGAGEMENTS
Start with a conversation.
If you’re considering a decision, navigating a change, or looking for an experienced outside perspective, I’d be glad to hear from you.