Celtic’s latest executive remuneration figures reveal several changes in the pay packets of the club’s top brass. The in-depth annual report is out, and every single board member’s pay is out there for all to see – if you know where to look.
Peter Lawwell’s wage increase stands out most at first glance. His rise in earnings is sure to draw the most attention from fans.
Here are the hard numbers.
2023
| Director/Executive | 2023 Salary/Fees (£) | 2023 Bonus (£) | 2023 Benefits (£) | 2023 Pension (£) | 2023 Total (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Allison | 40,000 | – | – | – | 40,000 |
| Dermot Desmond | 40,000 | – | – | – | 40,000 |
| Christopher McKay | 300,000 | 207,292 | 13,032 | 45,000 | 565,324 |
| Brian Wilson | 40,000 | – | – | – | 40,000 |
| Sharon Brown | 45,000 | – | – | 1,350 | 46,350 |
| Michael Nicholson | 475,000 | 153,731 | 11,956 | 71,250 | 711,937 |
| Peter Lawwell | 40,000 | – | 1,375 | – | 41,375 |
2024
| Director/Executive | 2024 Salary/Fees (£) | 2024 Bonus (£) | 2024 Benefits (£) | 2024 Pension (£) | 2024 Total (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Allison | 40,000 | – | – | – | 40,000 |
| Dermot Desmond | 40,000 | – | – | – | 40,000 |
| Christopher McKay | 309,000 | 150,000 | 13,101 | 69,244 | 541,345 |
| Brian Wilson | 40,000 | – | – | – | 40,000 |
| Sharon Brown | 45,000 | – | – | 1,350 | 46,350 |
| Michael Nicholson | 489,250 | 237,500 | 12,022 | 97,553 | 836,325 |
| Peter Lawwell | 120,000 | – | 2,874 | – | 122,874 |
| Brian Rose | 38,065 | – | – | – | 38,065 |
Lawwell, who returned to the club as chairman after stepping down as CEO in 2021, saw his total pay shoot up from £40,000 in 2023 to £120,000 for 2024, plus a small boost in benefits. That is a massive jump by any measure, so what’s behind this?
The significant increase stems mainly from Lawwell’s 2023 earnings being based on just half a year of service, whereas 2024 reflects a full year. If we compare his full-year equivalent wage from 2023, which would have been approximately £80,000, the same as former chairman Ian Bankier’s last year at the club, the actual jump in pay is around £42,874.
What’s behind the wage rise?
CeltsAreHere understands Lawwell’s salary bump is closely tied to his role for the club at a European level. While Bankier’s duties were primarily focused on the club’s domestic operations, Lawwell’s influence and time extends to a more hands-on role in Europe. As Vice-Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), he plays a significant role in shaping the future of European football alongside PSG chairman and ECA President Nasser Al-Khelaifi. His work in these positions has not only raised Celtic’s profile on the European stage but also cemented the club as a key figure in discussions surrounding the future of UEFA competitions, the Champions League format, and club financial structures.
The idea of a Celtic chairman holding influence at the highest levels of European football undeniably benefits the club, especially given the ongoing changes in UEFA competitions and regulations.
However, Lawwell’s relationship with many supporters has been complicated over the years. For some, his long tenure as CEO—marked by success but also frustration, particularly around transfers and European performances—means that his salary will always be scrutinised. While his influence within the ECA and UEFA offers clear advantages for Celtic, there will still be many who do not want to see Peter have a role within the club or take any wage.
Away from the chairman, Michael Nicholson, Celtic’s Chief Executive, also saw a significant rise in his pay, with his total going from £711,937 in 2023 to £836,325 this year—a hike of £124,388. Both his base salary and bonus grew. We can likely put that down to specific targets being met, like winning the SPFL title and qualifying for the Champions League.
Other notable changes include Financial Officer Christopher McKay, whose pay dipped by £23,979 due to a lower bonus than last year, despite a slight increase in his base salary.
Meanwhile, several other directors—including Dermot Desmond, Sharon Brown, and Thomas Allison—saw no change in their earnings from last year.
Brian Rose joined the club as a non-executive director after the 2023 accounts and showed up in 2024s. Rose, a lifelong Celtic supporter and currently a director at Apple Services in London, brings over two decades of experience in the entertainment and content industry. His appointment was widely viewed as a move by the club to tap into the growing influence of online media in football, reflecting the increasing importance of digital engagement in the modern game.
This past summer marked a surprising shift away from the usual perception of limited ambition in the transfer market. Celtic broke their transfer record not once but twice with the signings of Adam Idah from Norwich and Arne Engels from Augsburg. These moves signal a new level of intent from the club and quell the narrative of under-investment in the team. Brendan Rodgers will push the club as far as possible to try and reach his ambitions.
With Paul Tisdale in the door now, too, if the club combine their ambitious transfer fees with proper scouting, the improvement on the pitch could be huge. Then bonuses all around!
