JAMES BISGROVE has dramatically quit Rangers for a job in the Saudi Pro League.
SunSport were first to reveal that Bisgrove had accepted the offer of a megabaucks move to the Middle East.
Ibrox bosses are stunned by the chief executive’s sudden decision to leave.
SunSport understands Bisgrove is moving to newly-promoted Al Qadsiah, who are owned by Saudi oil giants Aramco.
It’s also claimed the Gers will seek a six-figure compensation fee.
Bisgrove has been at Rangers for five years and was appointed CEO 13 months ago.
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He officially began his role in July when managing director Stewart Robertson stood down.
Bisgrove, 39, had joined European football’s governing body Uefa in 2013 as a Sponsorship Manager.
He spent three years in Nyon before a further three years as Head of Sponsor Partnership Management with TEAM, a media company responsible for “managing partner relations” across the Champions League and Europa League.
With an established background in marketing and brand growth, Bisgrove arrived at Ibrox in 2019 to “oversee the commercial growth and modernisation of the club’s marketing and digital activities”.
His title then was Head of Marketing and Commercial.
Coming into a club with plenty of potential but a lack of commercial infrastructure, Bisgrove had been the key driver behind Rangers’ development in this department.
It was in April last year that the Light Blues announced that Bisgrove was to take up the role of CEO.
That move from his commercial responsibilities saw Bisgrove take on the responsibilities from Robertson’s managing director role.
Bisgrove led the search for a new manager after dismissing Michael Beale, appointing Philippe Clement back in October.
But now, the Ibrox club have confirmed he’s LEAVING.
Rangers chairman John Bennett said: “I would like to thank James for the work he has done at the club over the last five years as Commercial and Marketing Director, and latterly, as our CEO.
“Our commercial revenues grew significantly under James’ leadership, while in the last year, he was an integral part of the off-field restructuring the club has implemented.
“The executive team James helped shape has firmly established itself and I fully expect its momentum to be uninterrupted.
“We wish James every success with his new role.”
The Gers have also announced that Bennett will assume the role of Executive Chairman on an interim basis.
The club say this is to “ensure continuity and support the wider executive team” over the busy summer ahead, on and off the pitch.
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Bennett will lead a team containing chief finance officer James Taylor, recruitment chief Nils Koppen, football operations director Creag Robertson and current commercial boss Karim Virani.
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