Rangers appoint St Mirren's Jim Gillespie as new CEO
Last updated 12th Jan 2026
Rangers have appointed St Mirren's vice-chairman Jim Gillespie as the club's new chief executive officer.
Gillespie has been on the board at St Mirren for the last five years and vice-chairman of the Premiership club since 2021.
The 47-year-old has been heavily linked with the role since Partick Stewart was fired in November last year.
Fraser Thornton has been acting CEO since Rangers sacked Patrick Stewart in November, and he will become executive director when Gillespie starts his role later this season
He had previously been mentioned as a candidate when James Bisgrove left in 2024.
Gillespie is also CEO of children's charity The Kibble.
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."
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 are second in the Scottish Premiership, three points behind Hearts having played a game more than the leaders.
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