Sean Crawford
Managing Director, North America
Sean Crawford is the Managing Director for North America at SMG, a network of global retail media experts responsible for more than 10 Retail Media Networks globally, including WHSmith North America Media Network, the first-ever in-store travel Retail Media Network in North America. Sean is the driving force and face behind SMG’s North American expansion, which began in 2023, and has seen the agency consult with numerous major retailers in the U.S. and Canada.
In 2025, Sean was listed on the Performance Marketing World International Powerlist, showcasing the most influential people in the global performance marketing, and named a RETHINK Top Expert, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions within the Retail and CPG industry. Sean is also a recipient of the 40-under-40 award from the Path to Purchase Institute, which honors the next generation of leaders in omnichannel marketing. As a retail media thought leader, Sean has presented at numerous industry events in the UK and North America and has been published by the industry press, where he is frequently called on to share his decade-plus experience as a retail media pioneer.
Prior to leading SMG’s efforts in the US and Canada, Sean was most recently Business Director for SMG’s Capture agency, where he led a team of 30 media experts and oversaw the brand’s transition from a shopper agency to a full-fledged media planning, buying, and management commerce agency. Representing clients like General Mills, Kellogg, and Pladis, Sean also led SMG’s central Media division, which houses all retail media buying and established key strategic partnerships with major media players like The Trade Desk, Criteo, and JCDecaux.
In 2025, Sean was listed on the Performance Marketing World International Powerlist, showcasing the most influential people in the global performance marketing, and named a RETHINK Top Expert, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions within the Retail and CPG industry. Sean is also a recipient of the 40-under-40 award from the Path to Purchase Institute, which honors the next generation of leaders in omnichannel marketing. As a retail media thought leader, Sean has presented at numerous industry events in the UK and North America and has been published by the industry press, where he is frequently called on to share his decade-plus experience as a retail media pioneer.
Prior to leading SMG’s efforts in the US and Canada, Sean was most recently Business Director for SMG’s Capture agency, where he led a team of 30 media experts and oversaw the brand’s transition from a shopper agency to a full-fledged media planning, buying, and management commerce agency. Representing clients like General Mills, Kellogg, and Pladis, Sean also led SMG’s central Media division, which houses all retail media buying and established key strategic partnerships with major media players like The Trade Desk, Criteo, and JCDecaux.