The Colorado Rapids announced several changes to their front office on Thursday. Padraig Smith, formerly interim general manager, has been appointed executive vice president and permanent GM, where he will oversee all soccer operations for the team, while newcomer Fran Taylor has been hired as assistant general manager. In addition, Wayne Brant has been promoted to senior vice president of business operations, and will be responsible for day-to-day actions on the business side.
Smith has been with the Rapids since January 2015, helping to land the likes of Shkelzen Gashi and Stefan Aigner and spearheading the head coaching search this offseason, which led to the appointment of former New Zealand national team boss Anthony Hudson. He also represents Colorado on several MLS committees.
Taylor joins the Rapids after eight years at StatDNA, a software development and analytics company acquired by Arsenal FC in 2013. A graduate of Occidental College in 2009, Taylor played collegiate soccer for the Tigers and earned two all-conference first team honors while playing for the Los Angeles university.
“In an offseason in which we’re entirely overhauling the way we conduct ourselves on the soccer side, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome Fran to the front office,” said Smith in a statement. “He’s a sharp mind, and his experience at Arsenal – both with the scouting and coaching staffs – will play a crucial role in bringing our vision for the future of this club to life.”
Brant is one of the longest-tenured employees at the Rapids, having joined the club in 2007. He is credited with helping bring the 2015 MLS All-Star Game to Dick's Sporting Goods Park, among other accomplishments in his time in Colorado.
“For both Padraig and Wayne, these are well-deserved promotions,” said executive vice president and Chief Operating Officer of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Matt Hutchings. “They have managed this transition period very well, and given their combined knowledge and experience, we look forward to watching them guide this club to success both on and off the field.”
