Tad Smith is the Co-Founder and Partner of 1RoundTable Partners and 10T Holdings, leading growth equity firms that finance the digital asset economy. A seasoned business executive, Tad brings decades of senior operating experience at the intersection of disruptive technologies and traditional business models across diverse B2B and B2C industries. He is best known as the former President and CEO of Sotheby’s, the NYSE-listed global auction house, where he spearheaded digital transformation, drove significant growth, and led its successful sale in 2019. Prior to Sotheby’s, he served as President and CEO of Madison Square Garden Company (MSG), overseeing its media, entertainment, and sports assets, including the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. For over two decades, Smith has been an Adjunct Professor at NYU Stern, teaching Strategy and Finance for Technology, Media, and Entertainment companies. Throughout his career, he has also held executive leadership roles at multiple companies and continues to serve on numerous corporate boards and nonprofit organizations, leveraging his expertise in growth, digital strategy, and transformational leadership.
Tad Smith Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
Academic History
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Founder and Partner, 10T Holdings
CEO, Durable Money
Adjunct Professor, NYU Stern School of Business
Chairman of the Board, The Fine Art Group
Chairman of the Board, Futureverse
Chairman of the Board, Doodles
Advisory Board Member, CNBC
Board Member, Blockworks
Board Member, Lindbald Expeditions
Board Member, Simulmedia
Board Member, Julien's Auctions
Board Member, Lord Chambray Brewery
SOTHEBY'S
Tad was President and CEO of Sotheby's, where he successfully digitized, modernized, expanded, and then sold the company in 2019.
He foresaw the application of artificial intelligence to match buyers and sellers of art as well as improve pricing and acquired a company to enable Sotheby’s to do it.
Before joining Sotheby's, he oversaw the overall strategy and day-to-day operations of MSG Sports, MSG Media and MSG Entertainment.
EARLY CAREER
Tad served as President of Local Media at Cablevision, responsible for Cablevision Media Sales, News 12 Networks, and Newsday Media Group.
He was the CEO of TheKey, formerly Home Care Assistance, the largest privately paid provider of in-home care.
He worked for the global media company now known as RELX, where he last served as CEO of the US business-to-business division, Reed business-to-business Information.
He was SVP of E-Commerce at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and a corporate executive in New York and London for music company, BMG Entertainment.
He also advised companies on strategy and performance improvement in McKinsey & Company’s Los Angeles office.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Advisor, American Institute for Roman Culture
Board of Trustees, The Norton Museum of Art
Board Member, Hospital for Special Surgery Florida
Board of Directors, Palm Beach Civic Association
Trustee, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach
Board of Governors, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation
Member, The Holland Society of New York
Member, Young President's Organization
Member, Council on Foreign Relations