Patrick Stewart's contact book detailed as CEO explains in his own words why he is perfect for Rangers
11/26/2024 06:30 AM
There was always a panic that Rangers would appoint a CEO who wasn't near the standard needed to steer a sinking ship through troubled waters.
Maybe it is the start of a new direction for the Ibrox outfit after previously being reported as close to giving the role to St Mirren's Jim Gillespie.
With Patrick Stewart announced as Rangers new CEO, things could be about to drastically change with the first elite level operator leading the club for the first time in the modern era.
How does Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart describe himself?
Stewart's CV is well known, as is the reason why he left Man Utd. It wasn't through lack of competence, more the fact that Sir Jim Radcliffe wanted his own man after making a £1.3bn investment.
With a background in legal, commercial and marketing departments, as well as signing off contracts ranging from playing to sponsorship, the Gers chief in waiting ticks all the right boxes.
Even in his own words, it's impossible not to be impressed:
"During my 18 seasons at Manchester United, revenue grew from £165m to £648m, the club listed on the New York Stock Exchange, investment was secured which valued the club at circa $6.0bn and the club won 14 major trophies," Stewart wrote on LinkedIn.
"I joined Manchester United as their first General Counsel, going on to build an award-winning function and to lead cross-functional teams on business transformation projects. I was subsequently promoted to the football club board, before becoming a director of Manchester United plc and then the club's CEO.
"Throughout my career, I have assumed leadership & accountability in high-profile, challenging environments and navigated complex stakeholder networks. I have been integral to the growth of self-sustaining businesses by combining the commercial & strategic approach of a board director with the professional discipline & integrity of a general counsel."
How well connected is Patrick Stewart?
Stewart rose through the ranks at Old Trafford the hard way, but it wasn't just his work in Manchester that saw him impress his pay masters.
The University of Glasgow graduate volunteered with the Court of Arbitration for Sport from 2019 until present.
Not only this, but he also served on various committees, at the very highest level of the game:
(a) The FA – CEO Advisory Group & Nominations Committee for the Women’s Professional Leagues.
(b) Premier League – Financial Controls Advisory Group, Agents Working Group, Medical Working Group & Legal Advisory Group.
(c) European Club Association – Transfer System Expert Group & Legal & Regulatory Working Group.
Rangers now have first hand access to what is an impressive contacts book for football in the UK and Europe.
Stewart has a lengthy list of priority jobs when he arrives on the 16th of December, depending on results between now and then, there could well be another could added – sacking and hiring a manager.
