Quick Read
- Jim Gillespie appointed new Chief Executive Officer of Rangers Football Club.
- He previously served as Vice-Chairman of St Mirren and CEO of the Kibble charity, managing over 1,000 staff.
- Gillespie is credited with St Mirren’s transformation, achieving three top-six finishes, European qualification, and winning the Premier Sports Cup.
- A lifelong Rangers fan, he initially declined the role in 2024 under the previous Ibrox regime.
- His appointment was resurrected by new American owner Andrew Cavenagh, with Gillespie vowing to focus on “sustainable success on the pitch.”
In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the Ibrox faithful, Rangers Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Jim Gillespie as its new Chief Executive Officer. This isn’t just another corporate hire; it’s the return of a lifelong Rangers supporter, a proven leader with a track record of turning ambition into tangible success. Gillespie’s unveiling marks a pivotal moment for the Glasgow giants, signaling a fresh chapter under new American ownership and a renewed quest for sustained glory.
For months, the corridors of Ibrox have buzzed with speculation following the departure of former CEO Patrick Stewart in November. The club had been actively seeking a new executive to steer its day-to-day operations, a role that demands not only astute business acumen but also a deep understanding of the unique demands and immense pressure that come with leading one of Scotland’s most historic institutions. Stewart’s exit, alongside sporting director Kevin Thelwell, came after a challenging period that included a disappointing summer transfer window and a rocky start to the season, culminating in the sacking of head coach Russell Martin after just 17 games. The vacuum created by these departures underscored the urgent need for stable, visionary leadership.
The Road to Ibrox: A Proven Leader’s Track Record
Jim Gillespie arrives at Rangers with an impressive resume, most recently serving as Vice-Chairman of St Mirren and, concurrently, as Chief Executive Officer of the Kibble charity. His tenure at St Mirren, which began when he joined the board in 2020, has been nothing short of transformative. Under his influence, the Paisley club defied expectations, recording three consecutive top-six finishes in the Scottish Premiership, a remarkable achievement for a club of its size. Perhaps even more significantly, St Mirren qualified for European competition for the first time in nearly four decades and lifted the Premier Sports Cup this season, marking a period of unprecedented sporting success and financial strengthening.
Buddies boss Stephen Robinson has publicly credited Gillespie with playing a ‘huge role’ in this remarkable turnaround, highlighting his vision, drive, and counsel. The innovative partnership between St Mirren and the Kibble Group, which continued to deliver outstanding support to vulnerable children and young people in the local community, also speaks volumes about Gillespie’s ability to forge impactful collaborations and deliver complex, regulated services with a clear focus on standards and financial health. Managing a staff of over 1,000 at Kibble, Gillespie led the organization through transformational changes, improving its financial position while maintaining a steadfast commitment to service delivery. This experience, blending high-level operational leadership with community engagement and financial stewardship, makes him a uniquely qualified candidate for the demanding role at Ibrox.
A Resurrected Opportunity Under New Ownership
Intriguingly, this isn’t Gillespie’s first dance with the Rangers CEO position. He was initially tipped for the job in September 2024, prior to Stewart’s appointment, but famously knocked it back. At the time, Gillespie expressed ‘second thoughts’ about working with the then-prevailing regime at Ibrox, a decision that underscored his principled stance and desire for alignment with the club’s strategic direction. This past hesitation, however, has only served to highlight the significance of his eventual acceptance.
The landscape at Ibrox has shifted dramatically since then. The arrival of new American owner Andrew Cavenagh and Vice-Chairman Paraag Marathe, whose consortium completed a summer takeover, has ushered in a new era. Cavenagh and Marathe have promised a ‘hands-on role’ at the club, signalling a fresh approach to leadership and governance. It was this new regime that resurrected the offer to Gillespie, finding in him the ideal candidate to lead the club forward. As Cavenagh stated, Rangers spoke to ‘an exceptional group of candidates across Scotland and Europe,’ but Jim ‘consistently stood out for his understanding of what Rangers stands for and the standards this club demands.’ He was impressed by Gillespie’s ‘ability to lead people, connect with the club and its supporters, and operate at a very high-level day to day,’ as reported by Rangers.co.uk.
The Blueprint for Sustainable Glory: Gillespie’s Vision
Upon his unveiling, an excited Gillespie articulated a clear vision for his tenure. ‘Rangers Football Club is a historic institution, and it’s an honour to be asked to contribute to its leadership,’ he said. ‘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.’ This commitment to ‘rolling up sleeves’ and fostering ‘sustainable success’ resonates deeply with a fanbase eager for stability and consistent performance both domestically and in European competitions.
The concept of ‘sustainable success’ is particularly critical for a club like Rangers, which has experienced the highs of league titles and European finals, alongside the profound challenges of administration and rebuilding. Gillespie’s experience in financial transformation at Kibble and strengthening St Mirren’s financial standing will be invaluable in ensuring that on-pitch achievements are underpinned by robust off-pitch management. His focus on ‘setting clear standards’ suggests a drive for professionalism and excellence across all facets of the club’s operations, from youth development to commercial strategies.
A Collaborative Leadership Structure
Gillespie will not be operating in a vacuum. Fraser Thornton, who has admirably served as acting CEO since Stewart’s departure, will continue in that role until Gillespie officially starts later in the season, allowing for a smooth transition. Once Gillespie takes the reins, Thornton will transition into a new executive director role. This strategic move ensures that Thornton’s intimate knowledge of the club and its operations remains within the leadership structure. He will maintain 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,’ as detailed by the Daily Record. This collaborative approach, with a strong leadership group, is precisely what Vice-Chairman Paraag Marathe highlighted, stating that Gillespie ‘brings the leadership, judgement, and operational capability we were looking for at this stage for the club.’
The appointment has been met with positive reactions from all quarters. John Needham, St Mirren chairman, extended his gratitude to Gillespie for his ‘vision, his drive and his counsel as vice Chair,’ acknowledging the ‘many memorable highlights on and off the field’ they shared. This widespread approval underscores Gillespie’s reputation as a respected and effective leader within Scottish football.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Gillespie steps into a club that, while showing improved results under successor Danny Rohl, still faces significant challenges and immense expectations. The weight of history at Ibrox demands not just competence, but a relentless pursuit of excellence. His ability to connect with the club’s supporters, a key attribute highlighted by Cavenagh, will be vital in uniting the fanbase behind the new vision. From navigating complex transfer windows to fostering a winning culture and ensuring financial prudence, the tasks ahead are manifold. However, Gillespie’s demonstrated capacity for transformational change, coupled with his deep personal connection to the club, positions him uniquely to tackle these challenges head-on.
Jim Gillespie’s appointment as Rangers CEO is more than a simple change of personnel; it represents a strategic alignment of ambition, experience, and deep-rooted passion. His proven ability to deliver sustainable success at St Mirren and his leadership in complex social care environments offer a compelling blueprint for the future of Rangers, promising a pragmatic yet aspirational approach to reclaiming and maintaining Ibrox glory in the competitive landscape of modern football.