Patrick Stewart: The New CEO of Rangers Football Club and Former Manchester United Chief
In December 2024, Patrick Stewart was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rangers Football Club, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the historic Scottish football club. With a wealth of experience in both the sports and entertainment industries, Stewart’s appointment brings a high level of expertise and leadership to Rangers FC, positioning them for a successful and sustainable future. This article delves into the background of Patrick Stewart, his journey in the football industry, and his vision for Rangers as their new CEO.
Patrick Stewart: A Journey to the Top
Early Life and Career Background
Patrick Stewart’s rise to prominence in the world of sports and business did not happen overnight. Born and raised in Scotland, Stewart’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Glasgow, followed by further studies in law during an Erasmus Exchange Programme at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. After completing his studies, he embarked on a career in law, working for prominent legal firms in the UK, including Maclay Murray & Spens and Burness LLP.
A Transition into the Football Industry
In 2006, Stewart made a significant career shift when he joined Manchester United as their first General Counsel. His role involved overseeing the club’s legal and regulatory matters, including player contracts, sponsorship agreements, and commercial rights. Under Stewart’s leadership, Manchester United experienced tremendous growth, with revenues soaring from £165 million to £648 million over his 18-year tenure.
Leadership at Manchester United
Stewart’s leadership journey at Manchester United was marked by several milestones. He was promoted to Executive Director of Manchester United plc, where he took on additional responsibilities such as managing relationships with football stakeholders like the Premier League and UEFA, and representing the club at key meetings. His role expanded further when he became the CEO of Manchester United in 2023, overseeing the club during a strategic review process, which included securing a $1.6 billion investment by INEOS.
During his time at Manchester United, Stewart played a pivotal role in the club’s success, contributing to 14 major trophies and facilitating the club’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange. His expertise in navigating complex stakeholder relationships and his ability to manage challenging environments proved invaluable to the club’s growth.
Patrick Stewart’s Move to Rangers FC
After leaving Manchester United in 2024, Stewart took on a new challenge as the CEO of Rangers FC. His appointment came at a time when the club was looking for strong leadership to guide them through a period of transition and to establish a sustainable business model for long-term success. Rangers Football Club, one of the most successful clubs in Scotland, had been undergoing changes, and Stewart’s experience in overseeing major business transformations made him the ideal candidate to lead the club into the future.
As CEO, Stewart’s primary goal is to stabilize and grow the club’s operations, both on and off the field. His first few months at Rangers have been focused on conducting a thorough review of the club’s football operations, identifying key areas for improvement, and ensuring that the club adopts a long-term strategic approach to its development.
Patrick Stewart’s Vision for Rangers FC
A Strategic Approach to Success
Upon assuming the role of CEO at Rangers FC, Patrick Stewart emphasized the importance of strategic thinking. His vision for the club revolves around achieving long-term success while addressing the underlying issues that have hindered the club’s full potential in recent years. This includes strengthening the club’s financial position, improving player development systems, and building a more resilient football team capable of competing at the highest levels.
Stewart has made it clear that he is committed to a sustainable approach, ensuring that the club’s growth is not only driven by short-term victories but also by building a foundation for long-term prosperity. His past experience with Manchester United’s financial growth and success has given him the expertise to implement this strategy effectively at Rangers FC.
Supporting the Manager and Football Operations
One of the first major challenges Stewart faced as CEO of Rangers was the pressure surrounding manager Philippe Clement. Despite mounting fan dissatisfaction after a disappointing Scottish Cup defeat to Queen’s Park, Stewart publicly backed Clement, stressing that changing managers was not the solution to the club’s problems. He emphasized the need for a more strategic approach, with a focus on improving the underlying structures within the club.
To address these challenges, Stewart has been working closely with the club’s executive team to overhaul the club’s football operations. This includes investing in player recruitment, developing talent pipelines, and fostering a winning culture within the team. Stewart’s leadership and ability to support the manager and players will be crucial in ensuring that Rangers return to their winning ways.
Building Strong Stakeholder Relationships
As part of his broader vision for Rangers, Stewart is focused on cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the club’s fans, business partners, and football authorities. He understands that a football club is more than just a team on the pitch; it is a community that must be supported and nurtured. His background in managing relationships with major football bodies, government entities, and commercial partners during his time at Manchester United will be instrumental in his success at Rangers.
Additionally, Stewart is committed to ensuring that Rangers maintain a positive reputation both domestically and internationally. This includes strengthening the club’s brand, exploring new commercial opportunities, and positioning the club as a leader in European football.
The Future of Rangers FC Under Patrick Stewart’s Leadership
New Ownership and Investment
Rangers FC’s future looks promising under the leadership of Patrick Stewart. One of the key developments is the potential investment from a consortium that includes the San Francisco 49ers. This investment could lead to a restructuring of the club’s ownership, providing additional resources to support Rangers’ growth and development. Stewart is working closely with stakeholders to finalize these discussions and ensure that the club benefits from this influx of capital.
The Road Ahead
As the new CEO of Rangers FC, Patrick Stewart has a clear vision for the club’s future. His experience in managing high-profile organizations and his ability to navigate complex challenges will be vital in shaping Rangers’ path forward. While the road to success may not always be smooth, Stewart’s leadership, combined with his deep understanding of the football industry, positions Rangers FC for a bright future both on and off the pitch.
Patrick Stewart’s Age
Born on December 23, 1966, Patrick Stewart is 58 years old as of 2025. His extensive career in the sports, entertainment, and legal sectors spans over three decades, with significant contributions to Manchester United and now as the CEO of Rangers FC. Despite his years of experience, Stewart continues to play a pivotal role in the sports world, driving the future of Rangers FC with his strategic vision and leadership.
In conclusion, Patrick Stewart’s appointment as CEO of Rangers FC marks the start of a new era for the club. With his impressive track record at Manchester United and his commitment to strategic growth, Stewart is well-equipped to lead Rangers to new heights. Fans and stakeholders alike can look forward to an exciting future under his leadership, as Rangers work towards reclaiming their place among the elite in Scottish and European football.
