Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell is to retire in the summer, after spending 17 years in the hot seat at Parkhead.
Lawwell took over in 2003 and under his watch, the Glasgow giants have won 29 titles, including 13 Scottish league crowns, four domestic trebles, and last 16 appearances in the Champions League on three occasions.
Lawwell is stepping down with Celtic enduring a turbulent season on and off the pitch.
The Bhoys are set to relinquish their Scottish Premiership crown, their 10 in a row hopes likely to be dashed by arch-rivals Rangers, who are 23 points clear at the top of the table.
Lawwell also apologised for the club's mid-season trip to Dubai during the COVID-19 crisis.
Dominic McKay will replace Lawwell at Parkhead.
McKay is the current Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Rugby.
Lawwell has reflected on his announcement by thanking those around him, including the club's Irish support.
"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.
“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. In particular, I have appreciated the advice and support offered by all our main supporters groups across Scotland, Ireland and beyond. I would like to thank them all for the passion, support and commitment they continue to bring to Celtic.
“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.
“It was obvious that the Club would be facing a natural period of transition at the end of this season regardless of any outcomes. Like every Celtic supporter, I am disappointed that, so far, this season has not worked out in the way we all hoped for, despite our best efforts. My goal will be to work with Dominic in order to make changes as smoothly as possible and maintain a focus on continued success on the field of play. Together, our main priority will now be to ensure a seamless transition.
“Celtic will always be the biggest and the best club in Scotland and our supporters will always be everything to our success. We need our fans with us to achieve that success.
“While retiring from Celtic in the summer, I will now look forward to other challenges. Inevitably, the role I have occupied also creates pressures and demands which are not always confined to me alone. So, above all, I thank my wife and family for their support and encouragement at all times. We will all continue to support the Club with the same love and passion we always have.”
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