He previously worked in the banking sector in the United Kingdom and Australia.

[2] After this position, he held a number of senior management positions in Deutsche Bank, UBS and Lloyds International Pty Ltd. From September 2005 to March 2009, Smith was Head of Bank of Scotland Treasury Australia (later part of Lloyds International Pty Ltd.[2] He was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lloyds International Pty Ltd. (formerly known as HBOS Australia Pty Ltd), a subsidiary of Lloyds Banking Group from March 2009 to November 2012.

[2] As CEO, Smith had responsibility for 10 countries, 1500 staff and managing assets of $A50 billion.

[1] In making the appointment, ARLC Chairman John Grant stated "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.

Before his tenure ended, he secured a record free-to-air broadcast deal with the Nine Network.