Lloyds Chief David Smith Becomes ARL Commission CEO

Smith, the current Lloyds international chief executive and a former director of Bank of Scotland Treasury, has an engineering background and previously spent time with Deutsche Bank and UBS.

Lloyds Banking Group released a statement yesterday announcing Smith had resigned to “pursue other opportunities”.

As part of that statement, the bank said he would remain with the company for a few months to help with the transition.

His appointment ends the long search for a replacement for David Gallop, who was sacked in June.Gallop is now the head of Football Federation Australia.

ARLC chairman John Grant today made no apology for the time it took to replace Gallop.

“This is a person who knows business, who knows how to lead, who loves sport, who is culturally suited to our game and who has a very strong sense of community,” Grant said.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking with Dave and I can tell you that we are certain he will do a fantastic job for our game.”

The Welshman moved to Australia nine years ago and will leave his role as a senior banking figure with Lloyds International to take up his new job on February 1.

A former soldier with the British Army, Smith said he was very excited about taking on the role.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of the rugby league family,” Smith said.

“I feel a real sense of excitement and duty in taking on the chief executive role at such an exciting point for the game and the NRL.

“It’s a chance to make a real difference at a time when rugby league is looking to grow to a new level.

“The role has everything I could want and I am really looking forward to getting started.

“I think I have got the best job in Australia.

“This is a wonderful opportunity. It is an honour and a privilege.”

Shane Mattiske will continue as the interim ARLC chief executive until Smith moves into his new role.