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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Peter Lawwell returns to Celtic as non-executive chairman

Peter Lawwell has returned to Celtic as the new non-executive chairman.

The 63-year-old, who will also become a director, will take up his new role on January 1, 2023.

The appointment follows the recent retirement of the current chairman, Ian Bankier.  

Lawwell returns to Celtic after previously being the club's chief executive for almost 18 years, a position he retired from in the summer of 2021.

He said: “As a lifelong Celtic supporter it is a great privilege to be asked to take up the position of chairman, having already been part of our great club for nearly 18 years.  

"These are exciting times for the club and I look forward to contributing to the well-being and success of the club.

"Our objective as ever will be to grow and further develop the club across all areas. Led by an excellent chief executive in Michael Nicholson, and chief financial officer Chris McKay, the club has a high-quality management team in place.  

"I will be offering my support and guidance to the board and executive management team to ensure that we continue to drive the club forward and protect and promote the interests of our supporters.”

Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is in no doubt the club have secured the best man for the job.

He said: “I am delighted that Peter has agreed to take up the position of chairman. He is the outstanding candidate.

“Peter is a man of the highest quality, someone who has served the club already with real commitment and expertise and his experience and knowledge of the club, as well as of the wider global football environment, will help continue to drive the club forward.  

"He is perfectly placed to work with Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay and the Board to ensure we continue to compete in Scottish and European football and to manage the challenges and opportunities in a European context.

“I would also like to thank Ian Bankier for his excellent contribution to Celtic over a number of years. I join everyone at the club in wishing him and his family every success for the future.”

During Lawwell's tenure as chief executive, the club won 29 trophies, including 13 league titles and an unprecedented Quadruple Treble.

Following his retirement as chief executive, Lawwell has continued as a director of Celtic, representing the club as a board member of the European Club Association.

Lawwell was instrumental in securing the signature of transformative, double-winning manager Ange Postecoglou during his last spell at the club.

The Australian boss said: “It is fantastic news for the club that Peter will be taking up the role of chairman.  He was instrumental in bringing me to Celtic, I know the love he has for the club and I know that his wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable to us all as we move forward together."

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