Rangers have appointed Karim Virani as chief commercial officer.

Virani takes up the Ibrox position having previously served as CCO for West Ham United.

The new appointment also brings a wealth of 15 years of commerical and marketing experience acorss sports technology, financial services, telecommunications and broadcast sectors.

Virani most recently worked at Socios.com, the world's leading fan engagement platform in the role of director of global partnerships.

In that role, he worked on a partnership portfolio including the UEFA Champions League as well as club sides Manchester City, Paris St Germain, FC Barcelona, AC Milan and Juventus.

Virani has also worked in marketing and commercial roles outside of football clubs with NewDay, EE, Betfair and Sky.

The new CCO also acts as a non-executive director at Mental Health First Aid - one of the leading mental health organisations in the UK.

Rangers chief executive James Bisgrove said of the appointment: "The Rangers board and I are delighted to appoint Karim as our new Chief Commercial Officer.

"Following a rigorous and extensive recruitment process, we unanimously identified Karim as the stand-out individual to lead the next phase of our commercial strategy and revenue growth.

'’Rangers have enjoyed commercial growth from £8m in 2018 to £29m in 2022, during a transformational period in our commercial activities and, with thanks to the incredible backing of Rangers supporters, and our club partners. Karim has the drive, experience and global network to accelerate the next phase of our growth strategy, and we look forward to welcoming him to Ibrox in August.

“Karim will inherit and lead a hugely talented and committed team across our Commercial, Digital and Marketing functions. I'm confident his modern leadership and vision will be invaluable to all our people at Ibrox."

And Virani said of his new role: "I am absolutely delighted to join Rangers Football Club as Chief Commercial Officer. I have long admired this club for its incredible heritage, history, and passionate supporters.

"I am honoured to join this new Rangers executive team and support the delivery of James Bisgrove and the Rangers board's exciting vision for the club. I am committed to leading a department that strives to deliver that vision for our supporters, whilst upholding the values of this historic and globally renowned club.

"I believe that Rangers has the potential to be one of the leading clubs in the world. I am confident that, together with the backing our supporters and club partners, we can achieve great things.