Larry Smith steps down after 12 seasons with the Alouettes
November 8, 2010 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Montreal Alouettes News Release
Montreal, Nov. 8, 2010 - Larry Smith, President and CEO of the Montreal Alouettes, announced today that he will be leaving the club as of Dec. 31, 2010.
"I set 2010 as a checkpoint date regarding my career. After reviewing our situation with the successful completion of the Phase II renovations at Percival Molson Stadium, our 100 plus consecutive sell-outs, our on field success led by Jim Popp and Marc Trestman as well as our significant community involvement, I felt it was time for change, for the Club and for myself personally", said Smith who has spent 12 seasons as President and CEO of the Alouettes.
"I have been honoured to work with our great owner, Bob Wetenhall and our dedicated staff for 12 seasons. We have contributed to the rebirth and growth of the Alouettes and professional football in Montreal and in the province of Quebec. Everyone has worked diligently to connect with the community and leave a legacy with the refurbishment of Percival Molson Stadium and the development of amateur football in Quebec."
"When you leave a job, one must ask the following question: Is it better now than when we began this adventure? I think I can confidently respond yes."
"I would like to thank all of our team - executives, coaches, players and staff- for the past 12 years of outstanding dedication, striving toward excellence. I would also like to thank my family, the fans and our supporters who have believed in our organization and have supported the Club since 1997. I am excited about the future and I am looking forward to starting on my next adventure."
The owner of the Montreal Alouettes, Mr. Bob Wetenhall, would like to thank Larry Smith for all his contributions to the team.
"On behalf of the Montreal Alouettes family, I wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to Larry for his service as CEO of the business for these many years. He has had a successful career as a player with the Alouettes during the glory years of the 1970's, winning two Grey Cup championships. He also played an important role as the ninth commissioner of the CFL during the early 1990's and steered the league through its most challenging period."
"Following his tenure as Commissioner, he returned to Montreal and served as CEO of the Club from 1997 to 2001 and again from 2003 until his departure at year end."
"Contributing so much to the renaissance of the Alouettes, Larry has built a philosophy of quality, integrity and community service, always reinforcing to our constituencies that we are involved in the community and that we have an obligation to be of service to them. During these years Larry has been extremely active in many other community and philanthropic activities, both locally and across Canada."
"While Larry has talked with me over the last few years about these plans, we will miss his guidance and I have asked him to remain involved with the Club in the future, as a consultant to me."
Bob Wetenhall also announced that following Larry Smith's departure, Mr. Paul Harris, Chairman of the Club, will assume the position of interim President and CEO until a successor is appointed.
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