2008 - Larry Smith, who is in his tenth season as the leader of the Montreal Alouettes, is one of the most recognized figures in the Quebec community. The Montreal fans first got to know him as a star fullback from 1972 to 1980, and then as President and Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2001, when he led the Alouettes’ organization through one of the most important periods of the franchise history.

After two years as president and publisher of the Montreal Gazette in 2002 and 2003, Smith reassumed the presidency of the Alouettes in March 2004. His return to the Alouettes allowed Smith an opportunity to add to his rich football legacy in Quebec. Smith’s first term as Alouettes’ president followed five years as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. He has worked tirelessly for professional and amateur football over the last 30 years, playing a key role in reviving the tradition and glory of football in Montreal and the province.

Smith played nine seasons for the Alouettes and was part of two Grey Cup championship teams, 1974 and ’77. The Alouettes’ first-round selection in the 1972 Canadian college draft, Smith played 140 consecutive regular-season games, along with 13 playoff and five Grey Cup games.

He graduated from Bishop’s University in 1972 with a Bachelor’s degree of arts in economics. In 1976, Smith earned his Bachelor of civil law degree from McGill University. He began his business career during his playing days, working in sales, marketing and human resources. In 1983, Smith joined Industrial Life Technical Services as general manager of the Montreal branch. In 1984, he took over the multi-products division and in 1985 he became senior vice-president of the Central Region. From 1985-92, Smith held several executive positions within John Labatt Ltd.. He was president of the frozen bakery division of Ogilvie Mills Ltd. before he became CFL commissioner.

Smith has received numerous honours during his business career. He was named the 1994 American Marketing Association-Toronto chapter Marketer of the Year (consumer products); Sports Personality of the Year at the Quebec Sports Gala in 1998; Marketer of the Year in 1999 by the International Association of Professional Communicators (Montreal); received the Accomplishment Award at the 2000 Marketing Personality Gala; the Equinoxe-Homage Award from the Société des relationnistes du Québec in 2002 and the Integrated Marketing (Large Company) Award from the Association Marketing de Montreal in 2003.

In 2001, Smith received the Commissioner’s Award for outstanding service and dedication for his tireless efforts in preserving and promoting the CFL. The award came during 2001 Grey Cup week in Montreal, which was a huge success under Smith’s direction.

Smith serves on a number of civic charitable boards. He has served as president of the Bishop’s Alumni Association and is Chairman of the Canada Games council.

Larry and his wife Leesa reside in Hudson and have three children: Wesley, Ashley, and Bradley.