Celtic, heavyweights from Scottish soccer’s top-tier Premiership, have appointed Michael Nicholson as their permanent chief executive, following on from his interim spell in charge.

Nicholson was appointed as chief executive on an interim basis in September, stepping up from his previous position as director of legal and football affairs at the Glasgow club after previous CEO Dominic McKay resigned at short notice.

He first joined Celtic in 2013 as company secretary and head of legal, following a career in sports law, and was then brought in to head up the legal and football sides of the club in 2019.

Ian Bankier, Celtic’s chair, told the Stock Exchange when confirming the appointment that the appointment brings “important continuity … [Nicholson] is well known and highly respected across football domestically and internationally”.

Nicholson added: “I have been fortunate to be part of this great institution for a number of years and it is a privilege to now hold this new responsibility. We have a team of brilliant people who are absolutely committed to Celtic and we will work together to deliver success for the club and our supporters.”

Nicholson’s predecessor lasted barely two months. After being appointed in July, replacing long-time chief exec Peter Lawwell, McKay stepped down in mid-September, citing personal reasons.

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McKay joined Celtic from Scottish Rugby where he served as the national rugby union body’s chief operating officer for the past six years having originally joined as director of communications and public affairs in January 2008.

The club provided no additional details regarding the circumstances of McKay’s sudden exit.

Celtic failed to win their 10th successive Scottish Premiership title last season, with Glasgow rivals Rangers ending their period of dominance.

After departing Celtic, McKay was appointed in late October as the interim chairman of European Professional Club Rugby, the organizer of the continent’s top rugby union clubs competitions, as well as a non-executive director of the same body.