'Proven leader': Rangers announce new arrival but face delay in start date

Gillespie, who is currently the vice chairman at St Mirren and in charge of charity organisation Kibble, will move to Ibrox later in the season and replaces Patrick Stewart, who was sacked alongside sporting director Kevin Thelwell last month.

Fraser Thornton will continue to assume chief executive duties in the interim until Gillespie makes the switch from Paisley and will work under chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice chairman Paraag Marathe. The club remains on the hunt for a new sporting director.

Gillespie turned down overtures from Rangers under their previous ownership but has decided to take up the contract at Ibrox after meeting Cavenagh and his board. He will take up the CEO position once he has worked a notice period.

A statement from Rangers read: “Football Club announces that Jim Gillespie will become the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

“Jim will be an integral part of the club’s executive team, responsible for leading the organisation’s management and all operations in support of the club’s football ambitions and pursuit of silverware.

“Jim brings significant senior leadership experience, having been Chief Executive Officer of Kibble, one of Scotland’s leading social care charities, delivering complex, regulated services for vulnerable children and young people and managing a staff of over 1,000.

“During his time at Kibble, Jim led the organisation through transformational changes, improving its financial position while continuing to maintain a clear focus on service delivery and standards.

Thornton to keep hold of duties in interim

“Jim has also served on the board of directors of St Mirren FC since 2020 and became their Vice Chairman in 2021. During Jim’s tenure at the club he has contributed to a period of sporting success for the club while strengthening the club’s financial standing.

“The club’s strategic direction will continue to be set by the Board, with Andrew Cavenagh as Chairman and Paraag Marathe as Vice Chairman staying closely involved in all major aspects of the club’s leadership and decision-making.

“Fraser Thornton will continue to serve as acting CEO until Jim starts later in the season. After that time, Fraser will assume the duties of Executive Director, maintaining a significant day-to-day presence within the club, leading key stakeholder relationships, and working closely with Jim to ensure the Board’s strategy is delivered effectively across the club.”

Cavenagh welcomed the appointment and hailed Gillespie for what he will bring to the role.

“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,” the American said. “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: “Rangers Football Club is a historic institution, and 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.”