Ashley Smith
Market leadership in airway management is earned by deeply understanding clinical workflow and translating that insight into disciplined innovation and execution clinicians can rely on.
Market leadership in airway management is earned by deeply understanding clinical workflow and translating that insight into disciplined innovation and execution clinicians can rely on.
Ashley Smith is the Vice President and General Manager of Verathon’s Airway Business Unit, leading the strategy and execution of the company’s total airway solutions portfolio. A member of the Executive Leadership Team, she guides portfolio direction, product innovation, and cross-functional execution to ensure Verathon continues to advance high-performance airway technologies that support clinicians and improve patient care.
Ashley brings more than 20 years of experience across aerospace, consumer electronics, and medical technology. She has intentionally built breadth across engineering, operations, program leadership, and general management, enabling her to navigate complex decisions with a clear understanding of product performance, customer impact, and long-term business sustainability. Prior to leading the Airway Business Unit, she served as Vice President of Global Operations at Verathon and previously held a VP/GM role at Crane Aerospace & Electronics. Ashley holds a master’s in Product Design and Development and a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University.
What do you enjoy the most about being part of the Verathon team?
What stands out to me is the depth of expertise across the organization and how seriously people approach the work. Our teams invest time in understanding clinical workflow and listening closely to customers, and that insight shapes how we innovate. I learn from that expertise every day. There’s a shared understanding that our products are used in critical moments of care, and that responsibility is felt across the organization.
What are you most excited about for Verathon’s future?
Verathon has a strong foundation in airway management. What excites me is continuing to build on that strength, evolving our portfolio with thoughtful innovation, accelerating development where it matters, and ensuring our products perform reliably in real-world clinical settings. By combining deep clinical insight with disciplined execution, we can continue advancing patient care while reinforcing the trust clinicians place in us.
How would you describe the perfect weekend?
Spending time outdoors with my family, skiing in the winter, hiking or gardening in the summer, and making space for good food, wine, and travel. I’m happiest exploring new places or relaxing at home with my husband, our two kids, and our dogs, Bob and Victoria.