Rangers Football Club has officially confirmed the appointment of Jim Gillespie as its new chief executive, following a comprehensive selection process that spanned candidates from Scotland and across Europe. The role had been vacant since the departure of Patrick Stewart in November, with Fraser Thornton acting as interim chief executive until Gillespie assumes the position later in the season.

Gillespie, 53, previously served as vice-chairman at St Mirren for five years and continues to hold the role of chief executive at social care charity Kibble, which is also part owner of the Paisley-based Scottish Premiership side. He resigned from his St Mirren role to take up the Rangers position and expressed his gratitude to the board for their confidence in him.

“Rangers Football Club is a historic institution, and it’s an honour to be asked to contribute to its leadership,” Gillespie said in a statement on the club’s website.

Background and Experience

Gillespie brings a wealth of leadership experience, both in football administration and in managing large-scale, regulated organisations. At Kibble, he has overseen operations involving over 1,000 staff members, steering the charity through transformational change and strengthening its financial position.

During his tenure at St Mirren, Gillespie contributed to a period of sporting success, helping the club improve its financial standing while maintaining competitive results on the pitch. His background demonstrates a blend of strategic leadership, financial acumen, and operational expertise, qualities Rangers identified as critical for the club’s long-term development.

The Path to Rangers

Gillespie had previously been linked with the Rangers chief executive role in September 2024, when he pulled out of discussions to focus on other commitments. He also reportedly rejected approaches from English clubs before accepting the Ibrox position following the club’s takeover by Andrew Cavenagh’s US-based consortium.

Stewart and former sporting director Kevin Thelwell were dismissed in November after just 11 months in their roles, following a disappointing summer transfer window and a poor start to the season that also saw Russell Martin sacked as head coach after only 17 games. Under interim head coach Danny Rohl, Rangers have improved results and league standing, setting the stage for Gillespie to build on the club’s upward trajectory.

Chairman’s Comments

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh praised Gillespie’s appointment, highlighting his deep understanding of Rangers’ values, culture, and expectations:

“Jim consistently stood out for his understanding of what Rangers stands for and the standards this club demands. He impressed us with his ability to lead people, connect with the club and its supporters, and operate at a very high level day to day.”

Gillespie’s combination of football board experience and executive management skills was seen as key in selecting him to continue strengthening Rangers’ leadership structure and overall strategic vision.

Next Steps at Rangers

Gillespie will officially start his role later in the season, with Thornton moving into the role of executive director. Fans can expect a continued focus on both on-field success and the long-term sustainability of the club, as Rangers aim to consolidate their position at the top of Scottish football under the new leadership.

This appointment marks a significant moment for Rangers as they look to enhance governance, improve operational management, and support the first team and youth academy in pursuit of domestic and European success.