Paraag Marathe's Rangers role made clear as 'proven leader' joins inner Ibrox sanctum
Rangers have been searching for a new chief executive since Patrick Stewart was relieved of his duties at the end of November
Paraag Marathe’s main role within Rangers has become clearer after the club confirmed the appointment of Jim Gillespie as their new chief executive.
The Ibrox side have been searching for a new CEO to oversee the day-to-day running of the football club since Patrick Stewart was sacked at the same time as sporting director Kevin Thelwell in late November.
And Rangers’ new American owners have turned to former St Mirren vice-chairman Gillespie - a lifelong fan of the Light Blues - who combined his role in Paisley with his senior leadership position as chief exec of the Kibble charity.
Gillespie was linked with the post prior to Stewart’s arrival from Manchester United. He turned the job down initially after raising concerns about working alongside the previous regime in charge at Ibrox.
He joined the Saints board in 2020 and was credited by current manager Stephen Robinson for playing an integral role in the club’s recent transformation, which has seen them record three straight top-six finishes, qualify for Europe for the first time in almost four decades and triumph in this season’s Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic.
It’s believed that Andrew Cavenagh’s influence resurrected the move, with the Gers chairman now hopeful that Gillespie can make a similar impact in Govan once he serves his notice period with the Buddies.
Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises chief / vice chairman Marathe - who has largely been a peripheral figure since their well-documented takeover of the club last summer - will continue to remain ‘closely involved in all major aspects of the club’s leadership and decision-making’.
Ex-chairman Fraser Thornton will stay on to serve as acting CEO - a position he has been carrying out since Stewart’s high-profile exit, before moving into a new executive director role once Gillespie starts work.
It’s stated that Thornton 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.”
What has Jim Gillespie said about his appointment?
An excited Gillespie told the club’s official website: “Rangers Football Club is a historic institution, and it’s an honour to be asked to contribute to its leadership.
“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.
“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. This club already has a strong and aligned leadership group, and Jim is joining it as an important addition.
“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.”
What have Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh said?
Marathe stated: “Jim brings the leadership, judgement, and operational capability we were looking for at this stage for the club. We are delighted to welcome Jim and look forward to working closely with him as we move Rangers forward together.”
Cavenagh added: “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. Jim is a proven leader, and we are confident he will be an outstanding Chief Executive for Rangers.”
A club statement read: “Rangers 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.
“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.”