Rangers appoint Kibble charity boss Jim Gillespie as club's new chief executive

Rangers have announced the appointment of Jim Gillespie as the new chief executive officer at Ibrox.

Gillespie takes on the senior leadership role as the successor to Patrick Stewart, who was sacked alongside sporting director Kevin Thelwell in November.

The new chief executive will start his new role later in the season, with Fraser Thornton continuing in the role in the interim.

Gillespie will move to Rangers from social care charity Kibble but has extensive football experience as a member of the St Mirren board of directors since 2020, and as vice-chairman of the Paisley club since 2021.

The 47-year-old has had a hands-on role at the club during one of the most successful spells in St Mirren’s history as the side has secured three top-six finishes, qualified for Europe and won the Premier Sports Cup.

He will now turn his attention to furthering Rangers’ ambitions and delivering on the plan put in place by chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chair Paraag Marathe.

Cavenagh said: “We spoke to an exceptional group of candidates across Scotland and Europe, and 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.

“Jim is a proven leader, and we are confident he will be an outstanding chief executive for Rangers.”

Marathe added: “Jim brings the leadership, judgement, and operational capability we were looking for at this stage for the club.

“This club already has a strong and aligned leadership group, and Jim is joining it as an important addition.

“We are delighted to welcome Jim and look forward to working closely with him as we move Rangers forward together.”

Gillespie said he can’t wait to get started in the role, and he will now aim to “set clear standards” for success.

“Rangers Football Club is a historic institution,” he said. “It’s an honour to be asked to contribute to its leadership.

“I’m thankful to the owners and the Board for their confidence, and I look forward to working closely with them, the staff and all those associated with Rangers.

“The focus now is on delivery: rolling up our sleeves, setting clear standards and ensuring the organisation is aligned behind sustainable success on the pitch.”

St Mirren chairman John Needham thanked Gillespie for his service and said he had been “an integral part” of the club’s successful transition to fan ownership.

“On a personal level, I am grateful to Jim for his vision, his drive and his counsel as vice chair,” Needham said. “We have shared many memorable highlights on and off the field since we joined the club, culminating in this season’s Premier Sports Cup Final.

“I wish Jim the best of luck in his future endeavours and reiterate my thanks for his contribution to our club and our local community.”