Celtic's new chief executive Dominic McKay has hailed the club as Scotland's premier outfit and admits their global popularity helped drive him towards taking the job.

The chief operating officer of Scottish Rugby Union was today announced as Peter Lawwell's replacement with the latter retiring at the end of the current season after 17 years at the helm.

McKay himself leaves Scottish Rugby after 13 years having been appointed as director of communications and public affairs in January 2008, before taking on wider group responsibilities from 2011 and joining the Scottish Rugby board as an executive director from 2013 before his current role in 2015.

READ MORE: New Celtic chief executive Dominic McKay 'very excited' about 'once in a lifetime opportunity' at Parkhead

He insists he cannot wait to get started at Parkhead and has revealed a conversation with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond also convinced him he is in the right place for the next step in his career.

"It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I look forward to beginning my new role as chief executive officer of Celtic," he told the club website. "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.

READ MORE: Green Brigade in brutal farewell to Celtic chief Peter Lawwell as he announces retirement this year

"Having spoken with Dermot Desmond 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."