Early Life and Education
Ryan Smith was born in Eugene, Oregon, on June 28, 1978. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the Marriott School of Business. During his studies, Smith co-founded Qualtrics with his father, Scott Smith, and his brother, Jared. While he initially dropped out to focus on Qualtrics, he later returned to complete his degree in 2016.
Rise to Success
Smith's career took off with the founding of Qualtrics in 2002. The company, an experience management platform, grew rapidly under his leadership, evolving from its initial focus on academic research to serving enterprise customers. Qualtrics was acquired by SAP in 2018 for $8 billion, with Smith staying on as CEO. In January 2021, Qualtrics went public on the Nasdaq.
Key Business Strategies
Smith's business acumen is evident in his strategic moves and investments. His focus on building a championship-caliber team for the Utah Jazz, acquiring a majority stake in the NBA team in October 2020, reflects his dedication to excellence. Furthermore, his co-ownership of Real Salt Lake of the MLS, reestablishment of the Utah Royals of the NWSL and his involvement in the tech industry with Qualtrics highlights his strategic approach to diverse ventures.
Philanthropy
Smith and his wife Ashley are actively involved in philanthropy through the Ryan and Ashley Smith Foundation. They have donated millions to support cancer research and pediatric care, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the community. Their philanthropic efforts include contributions to Primary Children's Hospital and the 5 For The Fight campaign.
