“In an environment where people often compete to be heard”, former chief executive officer of the RJRGleaner Communications Group Anthony Smith left his mark by being the one to “truly listen” and “create that space” so those voices could be heard, never dominating, even though he was in the lead.

That enduring quality, according to chairman of the RJRGleaner Communications Group Joseph Matalon, made him known, admired, and trusted across the organisations he served during his lifetime.

Matalon, in a pre-recorded tribute delivered at a memorial service in honour of the late Smith at Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St Andrew on Sunday, said the former media manager possessed an “unwavering sense of responsibility” and “believed deeply that if you were entrusted with a role — whether in business, public service or community life — you had a duty to act with integrity and foresight”.

“Short-term inconvenience never tempted him away from long-term principle. Decisions were weighed carefully, not just for their immediate impact but what they would mean years down the road,” Matalon said.

Of Smith, who had served as CEO of the entity since January 2024, after joining the company as deputy chief executive officer for print and digital in 2022, Matalon said: “What I admired most was Tony’s balance of firmness and humanity. He could be resolute when the moment required it, but he never lost sight of the people affected by his decisions. He understood that institutions matter, but people mattered more.”

Reflecting further on the man he described as “generous with his wisdom” and who “mentored by example, not by lecturing”, Matalon said Smith “gave credit freely” and even managed disagreements without rancour.

“One of Tony’s defining qualities was his ability to listen, truly listen. In environments where people often compete to be heard, Tony created space for others. He understood that leadership was not about dominating the conversation; that quality alone earned him trust… he did not seek applause nor measure success by public recognition. His satisfaction came from knowing the work was done properly, ethically, and in the best interests of those he served. In today’s world that kind of leadership is not just admirable but essential,” the RJRGleaner Communications Group chairman said.

During the service — viewed by more than 400 individuals via Zoom, more than 260 on YouTube, plus those in attendance at the packed auditorium — Collin Smith, the late CEO’s youngest sibling, reminiscing about his brother recalled, “a family person”.

“I remember growing up with Tony, Tony was humble. He has been consistently the brother who is not in the forefront but he would be the one who is humble, assured, and he would be my reinforcement. You could talk to Tony about anything,” he said.

In sharing memories of his sibling who doted on all his “nieces and nephews” and managed, somehow, to be “involved” in all their lives, he said, “He knew them all.”

The late CEO’s eldest sister Carmen, in a brief tribute also shared by Collin, said her deceased brother “gave of himself”.

“He is a helper, a listener and a comforter; and Tony, in the family, was calm even when there was a storm,” she said.

His eldest brother Trevor, in reflecting on his brother in the tribute shared by Collin, said: “Tony was a true friend — not just a brother, but a friend.”

Meanwhile, during the service on Sunday, Reverend Daniel Thompson in a memorial discourse comforted the family using biblical references to assure that there will be meaningful life after death for “the righteous dead”.

Throughout the homily Smith’s widow Karen sat attentively, her hand held in a firm grasp by their son Daniel, with the two exchanging occasional fleeting glances as if to gauge each other’s comfort level.

The 61-year-old Smith died on December 14 after a brief period of illness. Smith, before his tenure at the RJRGleaner Communications Group, held senior roles, including as vice-president at Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited, chief executive officer of Massy Technologies InfoCom Jamaica, and regional chief operating officer for Massy Technologies Group.

During his leadership at the media entity the company faced significant industry challenges, including steep declines in traditional advertising revenue and a strategic push towards digital transformation.

In public statements before his passing, Smith acknowledged the need for bold adaptation, noting that the group was “exploring several cost-saving measures” as part of efforts to reshape the organisation for a rapidly evolving media landscape.

One of the most significant developments during Smith’s tenure was the development of a joint venture between the RJRGleaner Communications Group and the
Jamaica Observer, which brought together the two media organisations under a shared printing and distribution logistics framework.

From left: Managing director of the Jamaica Observer Media Group Dominic Beaubrun offers words of comfort to Daniel Smith, son of the late Anthony Smith, and his mother Karen Smith following a memorial service for Smith at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium in St Andrew on Sunday.

Chairman of the RJRGleaner Communications Group Joseph Matalon comforts Karen Smith, the widow of former RJRGleaner Communications Group Chief Executive Officer Anthony Smith, following a memorial service in his honour at Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St Andrew on Sunday.Photos: Karl Mclarty