Rangers: St Mirren’s Jim Gillespie has been confirmed as Ibrox chief executive

Gillespie was quoted in September 2024 as saying he had withdrawn from talks with Rangers to become chief executive and later said he had also rejected offers from English clubs., external

The Ibrox club has since been taken over by the US-based Cavina League, with Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell sacked in November after just 11 months in charge.

Gillespie thanked the board for their “confidence” in him, telling the club’s website: “Rangers Football Club is a historic institution and it is a great honor to be asked to contribute to its leadership.”

Stewart’s exit came after a disappointing summer transfer window and start of the season which also led to the sacking of Russell Martin after just 17 games as head coach.

Rangers’ results and position in the league have improved under his successor Danny Ruhl and Kavanagh believes they have found a CEO who will help continue the upward trajectory.

“Jim has consistently stood out for his understanding of what Rangers stands for and the standards this club demands,” the chairman said.

“He has impressed us with his ability to lead people, connect with the club and its supporters and work at a very high level day in and day out.”

Rangers points to Gillespie’s experience “delivering complex, structured services to vulnerable children and young people and managing a staff of over 1,000” with Keppel, while “leading the organization through transformative changes and improving its financial position”.

Additionally, after joining the St Mirren board in 2020, he “contributed to a period of sporting success for the club while strengthening the club’s financial position”.