Peter Lawwell signalled the end of an era at Celtic with the announcement that he will retire as chief executive in the summer after 17 years in the role.
The 61-year-old will step down at the end of June after overseeing a period of success that has seen the club win 29 trophies, including 13 league titles and an unprecedented four successive domestic trebles.
Lawwell, who was a divisive figure among the Hoops support, will be replaced by Scottish Rugby’s chief operating officer Dominic McKay.
“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.
“Everything we have aimed for and achieved has been for everyone associated with the club. I have greatly valued my involvement with Celtic supporters in Scotland and around the world.
“I would like to thank them all for the passion, support and commitment they continue to bring to Celtic.”
He said: “Joining Celtic FC as chief executive is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a new challenge I am very excited about taking on later this year.
“I have been incredibly impressed with the vision and people within the club and I look forward to working with them.”
Celtic’s principal shareholder, Dermot Desmond, a powerful figure at the club, said: “When Peter told me he was considering retirement, I did my utmost, unsuccessfully, to dissuade him.
“I have been privileged to work with many CEOs and Peter ranks up there with the best of them.”
“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, ” said Celtic chairman Ian Bankier.
“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.”
There was also a huge furore over the club’s decision to take the squad to Dubai for a mid-season training camp with Lawwell admitting it had been “a mistake”.
He said: “Now that the process to select Dominic McKay as my successor is complete, I feel the time is now right to announce my retirement at the end of this season.
“I believe the club have identified an excellent successor with the highest integrity who will bring substantial experience and enthusiasm to the role. I wish him every success in the future.
“I have also owed a great deal to the unstinting guidance and support from Dermot Desmond, someone who has been so fundamental to our success on and off the field.
“In addition, I thank our present chairman Ian Bankier, previous chairmen and board members I have worked with, as well as Neil Lennon and the other five football managers and their backroom teams and, of course, so many great players at Celtic Park across the years who have given me and our supporters so much pleasure through a sustained period of success.
“I know that they will provide the same unwavering support and help to Dominic as they help to build on our past success.”
