Smith, 54, came through the Sharks academy and played more than 150 times for the club
Paul and twin brother Andrew played together in the Sharks front-row
Sale Sharks are delighted to confirm the appointment of former prop Paul Smith as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Paul, 54, joined the Sharks Colts team at the age of 18 and played more than 150 games for Sale between 1988 and 2000, many alongside twin brother Andrew.
He joined the club staff after injury forced him to retire, and took up a role in the club’s finance team, before becoming Team Manager under Philippe Saint-Andre.
He moved on to become the club’s Operations Manager, then Operations Director and, most recently, interim CEO.
Paul said: “It’s a massive honour to be given this role and I want to thank Simon, Michelle and Ged for putting their faith in me. If you’d have told me as an 18-year-old making my debut that this is where I would be 36 years later I wouldn’t have believed it.
“First and foremost, I’m a Sharks fan and I’ve devoted most of my life to this brilliant club. I’m really excited now to have this opportunity to drive it forward and make sure we achieve our potential on and off the pitch.
“We want to grow the club, grow the crowds and get the Salford Stadium bouncing every week. We’ve got everything going for us here and last season gave us a glimpse of what we can achieve together.
“Now the challenge is to keep pushing for continued improvements throughout the club both on the field and commercially, and to keep driving a club the fans can continue to be proud of.”
Sharks co-owner Simon Orange said: “I’ve known Paul for almost 30 years since he played loosehead prop for Sale pre the professional era.
“He is very considered and capable and 100 per cent trustworthy. He loves the club and we love him. He’s been with the club as long as anyone and we are confident he is the right man to lead the club for many years to come.”
