Meet the Team
Forward thinking, task blasting, innovating, world changing individuals who are passionate about problem solving.
Vaughan Monroe
Chairman
Vaughan founded the business in 1979 alongside his wife, Mary. Today, he keeps his finger on the pulse in an advisory role, often from his favorite spots in Donegal.
Vaughan founded the business in 1979 alongside his wife, Mary. Today, he keeps his finger on the pulse in an advisory role, often from his favorite spots in Donegal.
Chris Monroe
Chief Executive Officer
After a career in corporate law, Chris joined the business in 2013, comprising the role of CEO in 2022. Chris is a passionate leader, committed to driving growth and positive change in our industry.
After a career in corporate law, Chris joined the business in 2013, comprising the role of CEO in 2022. Chris is a passionate leader, committed to driving growth and positive change in our industry.
Tim Monroe
Chief Marketing Officer and Environmental Sustainability Lead
With a background in film, Tim’s creativity led him to a career in marketing. Passionate about the environment, Tim leads our sustainability charge.
With a background in film, Tim’s creativity led him to a career in marketing. Passionate about the environment, Tim leads our sustainability charge.
Yulia Black
Finance Director
Over the past 20 years, Yulia has overseen huge changes, including the opening of two new global facilities. Yulia lives by the sea and spends much of her downtime outdoors.
Over the past 20 years, Yulia has overseen huge changes, including the opening of two new global facilities. Yulia lives by the sea and spends much of her downtime outdoors.
Jayne Peters
Director of People and Culture
Jayne champions a happy and healthy workplace. Under her leadership, Smiley Monroe has adopted several benefits, including a four-day working week. An avid golfer!
Jayne champions a happy and healthy workplace. Under her leadership, Smiley Monroe has adopted several benefits, including a four-day working week. An avid golfer!
Ryan Wright
Sales Director
Ryan joined Smiley Monroe in 2012 before being promoted to Sales Director in 2023. Outside of work, Ryan is a nature lover with secret ambitions to become a hobby farmer.
Ryan joined Smiley Monroe in 2012 before being promoted to Sales Director in 2023. Outside of work, Ryan is a nature lover with secret ambitions to become a hobby farmer.
Prabhu Gopinath
Operations Director
When not playing cricket for his local Belfast Club, Prabhu heads up operations at Smiley Monroe India. He is responsible for our engineering team and continuous improvement projects.
When not playing cricket for his local Belfast Club, Prabhu heads up operations at Smiley Monroe India. He is responsible for our engineering team and continuous improvement projects.
Morgan Walker
Smiley Monroe Inc - Vice President
Originally from Fermanagh, Morgan now leads our US operation in Franklin, Kentucky. Settled outside Nashville, Morgan enjoys the outdoor lifestyle and social life the area has to offer.
Originally from Fermanagh, Morgan now leads our US operation in Franklin, Kentucky. Settled outside Nashville, Morgan enjoys the outdoor lifestyle and social life the area has to offer.
Chris Jones
Head of Operations & Product Support
With problem-solving skills and knowledge gained over three decades, Chris is an invaluable part of the team.
With problem-solving skills and knowledge gained over three decades, Chris is an invaluable part of the team.
Catherine Long
Head of Supply Chain
Catherine oversees supply chain management with expertise and dedication, ensuring seamless operations. A football fan, her dog Ronnie is named after Ronaldo.
Catherine oversees supply chain management with expertise and dedication, ensuring seamless operations. A football fan, her dog Ronnie is named after Ronaldo.
Stephen Armstrong
Head of IT
Stephen provides us with a cyber-safe working environment that allows us to operate at scale. He loves to travel, and at a party, he’s that guy with a guitar!
Stephen provides us with a cyber-safe working environment that allows us to operate at scale. He loves to travel, and at a party, he’s that guy with a guitar!
Aimee McCracken
Head of Marketing
Motivated by using creative solutions to drive sales. Her dogs, horses, and love of the gym keep her busy outside of work.
Motivated by using creative solutions to drive sales. Her dogs, horses, and love of the gym keep her busy outside of work.
Curtiz Martin
Sales Executive
Originally from Northern Ireland, Curtiz relocated to the US to work at our Kentucky office back in 2023. With a background working in belt production and despatch, Curtiz has since moved into the sales team bringing great technical knowledge.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Curtiz relocated to the US to work at our Kentucky office back in 2023. With a background working in belt production and despatch, Curtiz has since moved into the sales team bringing great technical knowledge.
Daniel Gillen
Sales Engineer
Daniel is part of our US sales team. Originally from Northern Ireland, Daniel relocated to work at our office in Kentucky in 2025. When not at work Daniel can be found at the gym or travelling.
Daniel is part of our US sales team. Originally from Northern Ireland, Daniel relocated to work at our office in Kentucky in 2025. When not at work Daniel can be found at the gym or travelling.
Read Our Careers Stories
Career Story
Curtiz Martin: Despatch Co-Ordinator
Career Story
Gareth Scott: Production Manager
Career Story
From Lisburn to Nashville: Daniel’s Move to America
Career Story
Rachael Lockhart: Product Development Manager
Career Story