Padraig Smith has been named the president of the Colorado Rapids on Thursday after previously serving as the MLS club’s executive vice president and general manager.

Smith also signed an extension with the Rapids through the 2026 MLS season.

Per the Rapids, Smith will continue to oversee all strategic, business and soccer operations for the organization, including all general manager responsibilities, as well as the advancement of the team’s relationship with sister club Arsenal FC of the English Premier League.

“Padraig has led the club with great distinction over the past five years and has built a strong foundation on which we can continue to grow both on and off the field,” said Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

“He brings a level of expertise and leadership to the organization that is grounded in his extensive experiences in Europe and the U.S., and we believe he is the ideal person to help us achieve our goals as an organization, and in particular, our goal of bringing another MLS Cup to Colorado.”

Smith joined the Rapids in 2015, initially serving as sporting director before taking over the club’s top executive position in January 2018 following the departure of former Rapids president Tim Hinchey.

“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,” Smith said in a release.

–Field Level Media