Chris Smith graduated in materials science in 1982, following that with post-graduate studies in polymer engineering and mechanical engineering. 

He began his career as a polymer development engineer with the former UK-based engineering group GEC. Chris developed a number of specialist electrical grade polymer compounds and managed injection moulding process optimisation and mould tool trials. He also worked on development of a range of extruded and injection moulded heat shrinkable cable jointing products. 

In 1987 Chris moved into publishing. Over the past 25 years he has written for a number of international publishing organisations, including Emap plc and Crain Communications Inc, covering sectors ranging from plastics, product development and engineering design, through to computing and reprographics. Plastics publishing posts included machinery and technology editor at Plastics & Rubber Weekly and editor of European Plastics News, where he also managed its international polymer conference activities. Chris has organised and chaired more than 120 polymer industry conferences across Europe and the US. 

In 2011, Chris joined AMI’s growing digital magazine and app publishing business, initially to edit Injection World magazine. Since 2015, he has held the role of Editor-in-Chief for the full portfolio of magazines, which includes Compounding World, Injection World, Film and Sheet Extrusion, Pipe and Profile Extrusion, and Plastics Recycling World.