Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today that Wayne Brant has been named Interim Chief Business Officer, while Pádraig Smith has been named interim General Manager, effective immediately.

“Wayne and Padraig are well-deserved of these responsibilities,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Matt Hutchings. “With Wayne’s business acumen and Padraig’s international experience and soccer expertise, we are very confident in their ability to successfully guide this club.”

As interim CBO, Brant will assume responsibility of all day-to-day business areas of the club, as well as provide strategic leadership and vision for the franchise. In addition, Brant will assist in leading the development and management of all club communication, and strategic planning processes.

Brant – one of the longest-tenured Rapids employees – was instrumental in bringing the 2015 MLS All-Star Game to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and in his previous role as Vice President of Business Operations was charged with oversight of all strategic communications initiatives, as well as marketing, community relations, fan development and match presentations for the club.

Smith, whose title comes in addition to his responsibilities as the club’s Sporting Director, will oversee all aspects of the first team including oversight of the coaching and technical staff, player acquisitions, domestic & international scouting, the development academy, partnerships with the Rapids Adidas Alliance clubs as well as all other soccer operations responsibilities. Smith will also be responsible for further cultivating the technical link between the Rapids and Arsenal F.C.

Since joining the club as Sporting Director prior to the 2015 season, Smith – who previously held positions with European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, as well as the Football Association of Ireland – has played a significant role in key roster acquisitions, including Designated Players Kevin Doyle, Shkëlzen Gashi and Tim Howard. Smith also played a role in the drafting of first-team standouts Axel Sjöberg and Dominique Badji. Smith also represents the Rapids on various MLS committees including the MLS Technical Committee.