Brian Smith was born and grew up in Melbourne, where he now lives with his wife, Josephine. They have two daughters and three granddaughters.
Brian began his professional career as an engineer and finished it as vice-chancellor of the University of Western Sydney, having previously been the head of RMIT.
In retirement he has served on a number of committees, including chairing the board of UniSuper, the company that provides superannuation for the staff of all Australian universities.
Among a range of current activities, the two that most consume him are playing golf and writing stories. He has published two sets of short stories. Facing the Music is his fifth novel.