In 2016, Stephen Smith was named the fourth President and CEO of L.L.Bean, a leading omni-channel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. In the eight years since he joined, L.L.Bean has achieved growth, launched its first domestic Wholesale business and completed a significant change agenda to modernize systems, improve profitability and bolster brand positioning.    

Prior to L.L.Bean, Steve held a variety of senior leadership positions across sales, marketing, merchandising, and general management in the U.S., Belgium, China and the United Kingdom – for companies including the Delhaize Group (Hannaford), Asda Stores Limited and Walmart International.

Active in the local community, Steve and his family have deep ties to Maine and enjoy spending time in the state’s great outdoors. He serves on the Board of Directors for WEX Inc. and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and is a Board Trustee for Dickinson College. Steve has received various awards including being named one of 
50 Mainers creating a brighter future for the state by Maine Magazine in 2019, receiving the Portland Chamber of Commerce Champion Award for DEI leadership in 2021 and being inducted into the Junior Achievement Maine Business Hall of Fame in 2023. Steve currently serves as the 2024 United Way of Greater Portland Campaign Chair.