Peter Lawwell Announces Celtic Retirement

Peter Lawwell, Chief Executive at Celtic Football Club has today announced his decision to retire from his position at the end of June 2021, having held this role for the past 17 years.

Peter joined the SPFL club as Chief Executive in 2003 and has since overseen a period of unprecedented success which has delivered 29 trophies to the club, including 13 league titles, four domestic Trebles and participation in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on three occasions.   

Speaking of his decision Lawwell, commented: “It has been an enormous privilege to have served the club and our supporters for more than 17 years – a wonderful honour to have been part of an institution I have loved and supported all my life.

“I will always be very proud of what we have achieved together and it has been a particular privilege to be involved throughout a period in the club’s history which has brought immense domestic success – as well as so many great European nights at Celtic Park.

“Celtic’s reputation is built on three pillars – success on the field of play, sound business management, and a real and sincere charitable ethos, building on the club’s founding traditions. My objective has always been to maintain and strengthen all three in order to ensure that the Club is both successful in the short-term and in the long-term, and is handed down to future generations in the best possible condition. In every aspect of our affairs, we have strived to maintain the highest of standards.”

Lawwell will be replaced by Dominic McKay, current chief operating officer of the Scottish Rugby Union Limited and Chairman of the Guinness Pro14 League, who will be appointed as chief executive officer, with effect from Lawwell’s retirement from the club, on July 1, 2021.

Celtic Chairman Ian Bankier, said of Lawwell’s departure: “On behalf of the Celtic Board of Directors, I would like to thank Peter for his monumental contribution to Celtic and its success during the past 17 years.

“Peter has given his life to our cause during his term of office, delivering a period of unprecedented success to the club on and off the field. He will be regarded as a man who has played a pivotal role in our history and we should always respect the huge impact he has had on the club.

“It is, of course, with great sadness that we have accepted his decision to leave the club but we understand and appreciate that he considers now is the right time for him to leave and we have been succession planning for this day for some time.

“Peter’s expertise, intelligence and judgement has guided Celtic brilliantly through the past 17 years and as a Chairman, I could not have hoped to work with a more able and skillful Chief Executive – someone with Celtic in his soul, who has had the club’s best interests at the heart of every decision he has made.”

Speaking of McKay’s appointment, Bankier, added: “The club is delighted to announce the appointment of Dominic McKay, who will take over the role of chief executive officer upon Peter Lawwell’s departure.

“He will now bring his breadth of high performance sport experience to drive the club forward, and our focus will be to support Dominic to ensure a smooth transition. He is a person of the highest integrity, with formidable talents that will be real assets to the club going forward.

“The directors look forward to working with Dominic towards delivering future success. I know that the board, the staff of the football club and Celtic fans all over the world will be there to support him every step of the way.”

During McKay’s time in the role at Scottish Rugby, the organisation has been transformed on and off the field. He has been responsible for all group commercial matters, corporate affairs, government relations, stadium and facilities, as well as overseeing the development of Scotland’s two premier rugby clubs, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, in a European context. He also sits on the Board of a number of international rugby organisations.

A passionate Celtic supporter and long-term season ticket holder McKay, commented: “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I look forward to beginning my new role as chief executive officer of Celtic.

“Celtic is the premier football club in Scotland and one of the most recognisable football brands globally, with our fans and sporting ethos known and respected throughout the world.

“I look forward to working with Peter and the board to ensure a seamless transition. In Peter Lawwell, I can think of no better example to follow. His experience and leadership have been the cornerstones of Celtic’s success, success that I will now look to build on going forward. I thank him and the wider board for their support and encouragement.

“Of course I understand that Celtic is more than just about financial results off the pitch and football results on the pitch. Celtic is built on a charitable ethos that underpins everything that happens at the football club.

“Developing and nurturing the rich Celtic ethos with all our supporters and stakeholders is a key component of my role going forward. I’m looking forward to supporting and building upon the great work carried out by Celtic FC Foundation to ensure that this remains at the heart of the Celtic way.”

Image: PA Images (left, Ian Bankier – right, Peter Lawwell)