Former Manchester United chief lands new top role at Europa League rival
Man Utd will face Rangers in the Europa League at Old Trafford in January of next year.
Former Manchester United interim chief executive officer Patrick Stewart has been named the next permanent CEO of Scottish giants Rangers.
Stewart replaces James Bisgrove, who departed for Saudi side Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, at a time when Rangers are third in the Scottish Premiership and have taken seven points from their opening four matches in the Europa League. The former Old Trafford chief will begin the role on 16 December and be tasked with trying to bring the same commercial success to the club as he did during almost two decades at United.
Having previously worked for Uefa, Stewart moved to United in 2006 where he toom up the role of General Counsel and Company Secretary. This meant he became responsible for United’s legal affairs and signed off every deal, from player contracts to kit and stadium sponsorships.
In 2019, he joined the United board and was handed further responsibility around negotiating player contracts, as well as co-leading on the creation of the women’s team. He was listed as a club director in December 2022 and managed the club's relationship with the different governing bodies. Patrick was also tasked to conduct an investigation into Mason Greenwood once criminal charges against the former forward were dropped.
Last year, he was appointed interim CEO during the takeover process and oversaw the completion of a material investment transaction, successfully integrating new shareholders and directors into the club and delivering operational stability during the period of transition.
In a statement released on Monday, Rangers said: "Patrick comes with an excellent reputation and background, bringing extensive experience of operating at senior levels during his 20-plus years in football. The board continues in discussions with several excellent candidates for the role of chairperson and expect to make an announcement of an appointment in the coming weeks."
United host Rangers in the Europa League on 23 January 2025 at Old Trafford.