Richard F. Smith served as the CEO of Equifax from September 19, 2005, to September 26, 2017. He brought more than two decades of experience from General Electric, where he held various executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer of GE...
Richard F. Smith served as the CEO of Equifax from September 19, 2005, to September 26, 2017. He brought more than two decades of experience from General Electric, where he held various executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer of GE Insurance Solutions. Under his leadership, Equifax focused on using advanced technology to provide credit reporting and identity verification services. During his time at the helm, the company faced significant challenges, including a cybersecurity incident in 2017 that affected millions of users. Smith’s compensation reflected the performance-based nature of his role, with total earnings in 2017 reaching approximately $15.7 million. Interestingly, he has been active in the stock market, with his ownership of Equifax shares peaking at over $82 million in late 2021 before varying in the following years. This backstory of both achievement and challenges paints a complex picture of a CEO who navigated both the heights and depths of corporate leadership, showcasing the volatile nature of the tech and finance industries.