Scott Fulton, an ex-investment analyst who has also worked at FD and Citigate, will join as a director heading corporate comms in November.
He joins from Just Retirement, where he was head of investor relations before managing its sale to Avalon Acquisitions and becoming the company's head of external affairs.
John Kiely, managing director at Smithfield, said: 'Having worked in investment banking, agency and the financial services sector, Scott will play a key role in helping to develop and drive our corporate practice.
'We have ambitious growth plans for our business in both financial and corporate comms, and Scott is the first of a number of senior hires we intend to make.'