"Celtic is the premier football club in Scotland and one of the most recognisable football brands globally, with our fans and sporting ethos known and respected throughout the world.

"I look forward to working with Peter and the board to ensure a seamless transition.

"In Peter Lawwell I can think of no better example to follow. His experience and leadership have been the cornerstones of Celtic's success, success that I will now look to build on going forward. I thank him and the wider board for their support and encouragement.

"Of course I understand that Celtic is more than just about financial results off the pitch and football results on the pitch.

"Celtic is built on a charitable ethos that underpins everything that happens at the football club.

"Developing and nurturing the rich Celtic ethos with all our supporters and stakeholders is a key component of my role going forward.

"I'm looking forward to supporting and building upon the great work carried out by Celtic FC Foundation to ensure that this remains at the heart of the Celtic way.

"Having spoken with Dermot Desmond (principal shareholder) I know I will have a shareholder who cares deeply about the club and who will take the time to provide advice and the benefit of his experience to help me in my new role.

"I thank him for his confidence and support as we embark on our journey.

"I relish the opportunity to start working with my new team, the footballing and playing staff and most importantly the supporters and to see what we can achieve together for this great club, delivering the success that Celtic is built upon."

Celtic chairman Ian Bankier said: "Dominic is an experienced executive of the highest calibre who has been responsible for delivering impressive commercial and sporting success in his current role with Scottish Rugby and as Chairman of the Guinness PRO14 League.

"He will now bring his breadth of high performance sport experience to drive the club forward and our focus will be to support Dominic to ensure a smooth transition.

"He is a person of the highest integrity with formidable talents that will be real assets to the club going forward.

"The directors look forward to working with Dominic towards delivering future success.

"I know that the board, the staff of the football club and Celtic fans all over the world will be there to support him every step of the way."