Michael Nicholson- Celtic and their silent CEO

On Thursday lunchtime Celtic announced the appointment on a new CEO, their third this year. 

You will do well to find any mention of Michael Nicholson’s predecessor, there was no mention of Dom McKay in the statement that confirmed his replacement. 

At the November AGM there wasn’t any mention of McKay but those present did get to see the acting CEO with a few very low key comments from Nicholson.  

Despite a multitude of in-house media options Nicholson’s voice hasn’t been heard, not even a festive wish to the customers or thank you for backing the club during the year. 

To the outsider the role of CEO should be all consuming, the face and voice of the club providing leadership and a focal point. 

Celtic however seem to be stuck in a different age. Nicholson has been at the club since 2013 but a search through You Tube won’t uncover a single interview. 

Like chairman Ian Bankier it seems that the new CEO will keep communicating to an absolute minimum, a few paragraphs with the annual report, same with the interim accounts then try to get through the AGM without mishap. 

No Celtic fan wants to see a David Murray type figure spouting moonbeams on the back pages on a weekly basis but there is plenty of middle ground between that and complete radio silence. 

Celtic have the means to communicate directly with supporters without distortion and media spin. Maybe Nicholson just isn’t interested but if that is his attitude it says more about the Board of Directors that thought he was the best candidate for the second most important job inside the club. 

CLICK HERE for Celtic’s CEO announcement.