VANCOUVER, BC (July 9, 2025) – McDermott + Bull, the trusted executive search partner for empowering change, is pleased to announce the addition of Milly Smith as Principal in the firm’s Vancouver, Canada office. Milly will lead the newly established Arts + Culture Practice across North America, expanding McDermott + Bull’s presence in the cultural, public, and civic sectors.
Milly brings extensive experience advising cultural institutions through leadership transitions, most recently as the Head of the Arts + Culture Practice at a global executive search firm. Her work has spanned museums, galleries, libraries, theatres, dance companies, music organizations, parks and gardens, arts schools, and specialist higher education institutions.
“Arts and culture institutions are navigating a pivotal period of transformation, balancing public relevance, financial sustainability, and evolving community expectations,” said Paul Gibbons, Managing Partner of McDermott + Bull Canada. “Our expansion into this sector reflects a direct response to that shift and a strategic extension of our firm’s commitment to purpose-driven leadership. Milly brings deep expertise advising high-profile and multifaceted cultural organizations across the UK. Her relationships, insight, and credibility will be instrumental as we grow our impact across North America.”
As Principal, Milly will focus on building McDermott + Bull’s reach across arts and culture organizations in key North American markets, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Her addition marks a strategic investment in the evolving needs of mission-driven institutions. These organizations are navigating generational change, shifting audience expectations, and new models of engagement and governance.
“I’m thrilled to be joining McDermott + Bull to establish an Arts + Culture Practice in North America,” said Milly. “Having led a similar practice in the UK, I’m excited to bring my experience across the Atlantic and support the incredible organizations that shape North America’s cultural landscape. What drew me to McDermott + Bull is the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit, agility, and proven ability to deliver high-caliber candidates with speed and precision. I’m delighted to be part of such an innovative and collaborative team.”
The addition of Milly reflects McDermott + Bull’s continued investment in sector specialization and commitment to supporting the leaders who drive community impact. The launch of the Arts + Culture Practice highlights the firm’s belief in the power of cultural institutions to shape civic identity, foster connection, and lead meaningful change.
About McDermott + Bull
McDermott + Bull Executive Search is leading the way in transforming executive search services worldwide, one relationship at a time. With experienced Principals in Canada, United States, and Europe, McDermott + Bull has become the trusted search advisor for empowering change on behalf of private and public companies, private equity firms, and their operating companies. Known for being thorough and balancing the need for urgency, McDermott + Bull provides personalized solutions to those who value contribution over pedigree. Leveraging deep vertical experience, innovative thinking, and proven time-saving methodologies, the company challenges the norm and thrives in the recruitment of difficult-to-find, culture-critical VP to C-Suite executive talent.
McDermott + Bull Interim Leaders is a unique, personalized, and urgent service that places performance-focused senior-level executives into consultative roles to manage business challenges and opportunities during a time of transformation. The interim leader talent pool consists of senior-level professionals across a diverse functional spectrum who meet the rigorous qualifications to work on time-sensitive engagements. The firm specializes in placing operations, finance and accounting, technology, human resources, and executive-level functions.