Celtic Football Club has confirmed a major change at the top, with its non-executive chairman Peter Lawwell set to leave his role at the end of 2025.
End of an Era at Parkhead
The Glasgow club made the announcement in a formal statement to the Stock Exchange, revealing Lawwell's decision to step down from the board of Celtic plc. His departure will take effect on 31 December 2025, marking the end of a long and influential association with the club.
This move follows a period of significant unrest among a section of the Celtic support. Discontent had been brewing since last summer, primarily driven by what many fans viewed as a disappointing transfer window. That frustration was compounded by the team's failure to reach the lucrative league phase of the Champions League.
Boardroom and Dugout Tensions
The period also saw a notable deterioration in the relationship between the Celtic board and the then-manager, Brendan Rodgers. That breakdown ultimately led to the Northern Irishman's exit from the club, further fuelling criticism of the board's leadership and strategy.
In the wake of Lawwell's planned exit, the club has moved to ensure stability. Celtic non-executive director Brian Wilson will assume the position of interim chairman from 1 January 2026. He will hold the role while the club searches for a permanent successor to lead the board.
Looking to the Future
The announcement sets the stage for a new chapter in Celtic's corporate governance. The appointment of a permanent chairman will be a crucial decision for the club's future direction, both on and off the pitch, as they aim to re-establish domestic dominance and make a stronger impact in European competition.
