Jim Gillespie has vowed to bring success to Rangers after being named as the club’s new chief executive.
The Ibrox outfit had been searching for a new CEO following the sacking of Patrick Stewart back in November.
Gillespie, who had served as St Mirren’s vice-chairman since 2021, is a lifelong Rangers fan and was approached for the position in 2024 prior to the appointment of Stewart.
But he turned it down at that point due to concerns over the structure of the club under the previous regime.
When the opportunity arose to work under the new American owners, he swiftly emerged as the frontrunner for the vacancy.
‘Rangers Football Club is a historic institution, and it’s an honour to be asked to contribute to its leadership,’ said Gillespie.
Jim Gillespie will take up his role as the new Rangers CEO later this season
‘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.’
Fraser Thornton will continue to operate as acting CEO until Gillespie formally begins his duties later in the season. Thornton will then become executive director.
Rangers chairman Andrew 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.’
A Rangers statement added the club’s strategic direction will continue to be set by the board, with Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe ‘staying closely involved in all major aspects of the club’s leadership and decision-making’.
Rangers remain locked in talks with Wolfsburg over a loan move for Danish winger Andreas Skov Olsen.
The 26-year-old, who has won 40 caps for the Danish national team, joined Wolfsburg from Club Brugge last year for a fee of around £12million.
Rangers would be willing to pay a seven-figure loan fee to make the deal happen given that they feel Skov Olsen could significantly boost their title bid and also expect to complete the signing of Belgian left-back Tuur Rommens over the next 48 hours.
The Ibrox club are also in talks with Kilmarnock over a potential loan move that would see young winger Findlay Curtis spend the remainder of the season at Rugby Park.
Meanwhile, the Ibrox club have called for action to be taken against the Aberdeen supporters who appeared to mock the Ibrox Disaster during Sunday’s clash at Pittodrie.
Footage emerged online which appeared to show individuals in the home crowd gesturing towards the travelling Rangers support.
One clip showed a man holding up his phone displaying the number 71, in reference to the tragedy in January 1971 which resulted in 66 deaths.
Others around him performed dive motions, believed to be in reference to those tragic fans who fell down the stairway at the Old Firm clash.
A Rangers spokesperson last night said: ‘We are appalled that once again opposition supporters have mocked the Ibrox Disaster, the darkest day in our history.
‘Such behaviour is abhorrent and has previously resulted in a criminal conviction, underlining the seriousness of this issue.
‘It was only a few weeks ago, that the club came together with families and survivors to remember those who lost their lives that day.
‘The club expects the relevant authorities to investigate the matter fully and for those responsible to be dealt with appropriately.’
Scottish PremiershipRangers
