RANGERS have finally ended their hunt for a new leader after sensationally poaching St Mirren vice-chairman Jim Gillespie to become the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
The lifelong Light Blues fan is set to swap the boardroom at Paisley for the hotseat at Ibrox later this season, tasked with spearheading the club’s hunt for silverware under the ambitious new regime of Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe.
The “Buddies” Boss Moves to Ibrox
Gillespie has been the secret weapon behind St Mirren’s recent rise, serving as Vice Chairman during a period of unprecedented success for the Saints. But the lure of his boyhood heroes proved too strong to resist as he prepares to lead the organisational charge in Govan.
Aside from his footballing pedigree, Gillespie arrives with a heavyweight reputation in the business world. As the CEO of Kibble, one of Scotland’s most respected social care charities, he managed over 1,000 staff and transformed the organisation’s finances. Now, he’s been handed the keys to the Ibrox front office with a clear mandate: **deliver sustained success on the pitch.**
“No Stone Unturned” in CEO Hunt
Ibrox Chairman Andrew Cavenagh revealed the club searched far and wide across Europe before deciding Gillespie was the “exceptional” candidate required to take the Gers to the next level.
“Jim consistently stood out for his understanding of what Rangers stands for and the standards this club demands,” Cavenagh said. “He impressed us with his ability to lead people and connect with the supporters. We are confident he will be an outstanding Chief Executive.”
Vice Chairman **Paraag Marathe**—the man behind the 49ers’ global sports empire—added that Gillespie brings the “judgment and operational capability” Rangers need at this pivotal stage of their evolution.
Gillespie: “It’s an Honour”
The new CEO didn’t mince his words as he addressed the blue half of Glasgow for the first time. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Gillespie is already focused on the hard work ahead.
“Rangers is a historic institution,” Gillespie said. “The focus now is on delivery: rolling up our sleeves, setting clear standards, and ensuring the organisation is aligned behind success on the pitch.”
The New-Look Executive Team
The arrival of Gillespie completes a major reshuffle at the top of the marble staircase:
- Jim Gillespie: Incoming CEO (starting later this season).
- Fraser Thornton: Stays as acting CEO in the interim before moving to Executive Director.
- Andrew Cavenagh & Paraag Marathe: The duo will continue to set the club’s strategic direction from the Board.
With a new manager in the dugout, a five-game winning streak on the park, and now a proven leader in the boardroom, the Blue Room at Ibrox looks more stable than it has in years.
FAQ: Who is Jim Gillespie, the new Rangers CEO?
Where did Jim Gillespie work before Rangers? Gillespie was the CEO of the charity Kibble and served as the Vice Chairman of St Mirren FC.
When does Jim Gillespie start at Rangers? He is expected to assume his duties later in the 2025/26 season, with Fraser Thornton continuing as interim CEO until then.
What is Gillespie’s track record in football? At St Mirren, he helped deliver three top-six finishes, European qualification, and a League Cup trophy while stabilising the club’s financial position.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
