Pádraig Smith

President

Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith has held the club’s top executive position since January 2018 having joined the Rapids initially as Sporting Director in 2015. Smith is responsible for the clubs strategic direction both on and off the field and the delivery of the organizations long term vision as well as overseeing all day to day activities within Soccer Operations.

Prior to joining the Rapids, Smith was with the European soccer’s governing body, UEFA. Smith was a key figure in UEFA’s Financial Analysis Group, which assess the top professional European clubs in the areas of corporate, sporting and financial structures. He also oversaw national association and club compliance with Financial Fair Play and Licensing regulations. Prior to UEFA, Smith served as Head of Finance for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). While at the FAI, he introduced the first mandatory salary cap in European league soccer and chaired the long-term strategy group charged with implementing a fully integrated football development and competition pyramid in Ireland.

He initially served as Sporting Director for the Rapids before taking over the club’s top executive position in January 2018 following the departure of former Rapids President Tim Hinchey. In the five years since his appointment to that role, Smith has led the development of the club’s long-term strategic vision, overseen the appointment of Robin Fraser as Head Coach along with the team-record sales of two Rapids players to top European leagues and helped guide the Rapids to a club-record finish atop the Western Conference for the first time in franchise history in 2021.

In his role as president, Smith will continue to oversee all strategic, business and soccer operations for the organization, including all general manager responsibilities, as well as leading the advancement of the Rapids’ relationship with sister club Arsenal FC of the English Premier League. He will also continue to represent the club on numerous boards and committees, including roles as Co-Chair of the Chief Soccer Officers group and Alternate Governor for Rapids 2.

“This club and the community it represents mean so much to me and I am deeply honored to continue to lead this organization and such a talented group of people,” said Smith. “I want to sincerely thank Mr. Kroenke, Josh Kroenke and Matt Hutchings for this opportunity and for their continued support and belief in our vision. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made over the past five years and I couldn’t be more positive about the future as we embark on the most exciting period in the organization’s history.”