Dermot Desmond has paid tribute to Peter Lawwell after the Celtic chairman stepped down from his role.
Lawwell confirmed his decision on Wednesday night, hours before the Hoops were set to play Dundee United.
The chairman admitted that threats against his family were a factor in his exit, which will officially be at the end of the year.
Brian Wilson will take on the role from 1 January 2026 on an interim basis, while the club’s largest minority shareholder Dermot Desmond was one of the first to comment on the decision.
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Dermot Desmond reacts to Peter Lawwell departure
Desmond’s words were among those to be included in the Celtic statement in regard to Lawwell’s pending exit.
In his comments, he claimed that the 66-year-old was the ‘driving force’ of the club and will be sorely missed.
He said: “I am personally very sorry to lose Peter as our Chairman, but I understand and respect his decision, in light of recent events and what he has endured.
“I want to pay tribute to Peter for all he has given Celtic over so many years. As Chief Executive, Peter was the driving force of the Club, and in his later role as Chairman he oversaw board affairs.
“Peter has witnessed 38 cup or title triumphs in his time at the Club, a period of extraordinary domestic dominance for us as we have also competed in European football.
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“Peter has also overseen the building of our training centre at Lennoxtown, the creation of the new facility at Barrowfield and the upgrading of Celtic Park, all of which were underpinned by the financial stability which has become the cornerstone of the Club under his leadership. Celtic is in a strong position to withstand whatever the future may throw at us.
“During Peter’s tenure, Celtic found a strong voice in Scottish football and, indeed, at European level, with his positions within European Football Clubs (previously European Club Association) reflecting the respect for Peter’s expertise as well as the Club’s history and governance.
“Peter’s knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the Club and our environment has served the club brilliantly over so many years. I thank Peter sincerely for all he has done and I wish him and his family nothing but the very best for the future.”
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