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MINNEAPOLIS -- In a surprising move, Terry Ryan has assumed the role of Twins general manager, replacing Bill Smith effectively immediately, the club announced Monday.

"No one in the Twins' organization wants to win any more than Bill," Twins owner and CEO Jim Pohlad said in a statement. "He is unquestionably loyal, committed and talented. The Twins' goal is to get better in 2012 and beyond. Bill was equally motivated to achieve that goal but we differed in the scope and approach that was required. Going forward, we intend to have additional discussions with Bill about an ongoing role within the organization. We wish Bill, Becky and the entire Smith family nothing but the best.

"We are fortunate and grateful for Terry Ryan's willingness to step in as interim general manager," Pohlad continued.

Terry Ryan (right) stepped down as Twins' GM in September 2007; Bill Smith (left) took his place. (AP)

Smith, 53, began his career in the Twins organization in 1986 and was named the fourth general manager in Minnesota's history on Sept. 13, 2007.

The Twins won two American League Central titles (2009-10) under Smith and narrowly missed another chance at the postseason when they lost in a dramatic Game 163 to the White Sox in '08. But the club never won a postseason game during his tenure, and lost 99 games last season.

Before taking over as GM, he spent 13 seasons as vice president and assistant general manager, sharing responsibilities for negotiating contracts, assisting the day-to-day operations of the Major League department and the Twins academies in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

Smith's first role with the Twins came in '86 as assistant director of Minor Leagues and scouting. He was later named director of baseball administration for the Twins in October 1989, and was the Twins liaison during the construction of their Spring Training home in Fort Myers, Fla., from 1989-91.

"Working for the Minnesota Twins for the past 26 seasons has been the greatest professional privilege I could have ever imagined," Smith said in a statement. "I will be forever grateful to the Pohlad family for the many wonderful opportunities they have provided to me, including the chance to sit in the general manager's chair for the past four seasons. My thanks and admiration to each of the wonderfully talented people with whom I have worked, and to Tom Kelly, Ron Gardenhire, their hard-working coaches and trainers and a large group of players who always represent the Minnesota Twins on the field and in the community better than any team in baseball! Finally, it gives me great pleasure to hand this baton back to the best baseball man I have ever known, Terry Ryan."

Ryan, who has spent more than 28 years in the Twins organization as a Minor League player or executive, returns to the role of the general manager, a post he held for 13 years (1994-2007).

As interim general manager, Ryan will be responsible for the team the Twins put on the field (40-man and 25-man Major League rosters), negotiating contracts, overseeing the coaching staff and entire baseball department, including the Minor Leagues, scouting, the medical staff, team travel and baseball communications.

Ryan will also be responsible for helping find a replacement general manager, as it's unknown how long Ryan will serve as interim GM.

Ryan, 58, was named the fourth GM in Twins history on Sept. 13, 1994. Through the efforts of Ryan and his staff, the Twins organization won four AL Central titles (2002-04, and 2006).

He was twice named Sporting News Executive of the Year ('02 and '06) and was twice the recipient of the Andrew "Rube" Foster Legacy Award as the AL Executive of the Year by the Negro Leagues ('04 and '06). Under Ryan's leadership, the Twins were twice named Baseball America's Organization of the Year ('02 and '04).

Ryan stepped down as GM on Sept. 13, 2007, and assumed the role of senior adviser to the general manager, a role he worked in until being named interim GM on Monday.

"As we move ahead, I'm looking forward to the challenge of improving this club for 2012 and beyond," Ryan said in a statement. "We have many assets in place, including a strong front office, manager, coaching staff and returning core of players. We have a lot of work to do in relation to development of our roster, but I'm optimistic in our collective abilities to ensure the future on-field success of this franchise."