Image source: bbc.com
Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Jim Gillespie as chief executive, with the former St Mirren vice-chairman set to take up his new role later in the season. Gillespie resigned from his position at the Paisley club after five years to join the Ibrox outfit, filling the vacancy left by Patrick Stewart’s dismissal in November.
Rangers Confirm Jim Gillespie Appointment as Chief Executive After St Mirren Exit
The position has been vacant since Patrick Stewart was sacked by the Ibrox club in November, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh revealing that Gillespie was chosen after Rangers spoke to an exceptional group of candidates across Scotland and Europe. Fraser Thornton will continue as acting chief executive until Gillespie starts his new role later in the season, before becoming executive director.
Gillespie, who is also chief executive of social care charity Kibble that part owns St Mirren, had previously pulled out of talks with Rangers to become chief executive in September 2024. He later revealed he had also rejected approaches from English clubs during that period, but has now accepted the role following the Ibrox club’s takeover by Cavenagh’s US-based consortium.
Thanking the board for their confidence in him, Gillespie told the club website that Rangers Football Club is a historic institution and it’s an honour to be asked to contribute to its leadership. Stewart’s exit followed a disappointing summer transfer window and start to the season that also led to the sacking of Russell Martin after only 17 games as head coach.
Rangers’ results and league position have improved under successor Danny Rohl, with Cavenagh believing they have found a chief executive who will help continue the upward trajectory. The chairman praised Gillespie for his understanding of what Rangers stands for and the standards the club demands, highlighting his ability to lead people, connect with the club and its supporters and operate at a very high level day to day.
Rangers point to Gillespie’s experience delivering complex, regulated services for vulnerable children and young people and managing a staff of over 1,000 with Kibble, while leading the organisation through transformational changes and improving its financial position. Having joined St Mirren’s board in 2020, he contributed to a period of sporting success for the club while strengthening the club’s financial standing.
