Tributes have been pouring in for former Hibernian chairman and Scottish FA president Rod Petrie who has passed away aged 69 after a long illness.
A chartered accountant to trade, Petrie served at Easter Road for nearly 30 years, joining the board in 1996 before being appointed managing director the following year and taking on the role of chairman in 2004.
He left the Leith club in 2019 in the wake of American businessman Ron Gordon’s majority stake purchase.
His time at Hibs saw the club beat Rangers in an historic Scottish Cup final in 2016, and they also won the League Cup in 2007 although suffered two relegations during his tenure.
He oversaw the redevelopment of Easter Road stadium, established the club’s training complex in Tranent and played a key role in the formation of the Scottish Premier League in 1998.
Petrie became president of the SFA in 2019 after serving with the association in various roles for over 20 years, although stepped down from the role in 2020 on health grounds.
A Hibs statement said: “Hibernian FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former chief executive and chairman Rod Petrie. Rest in peace, Rod.”
Current SFA president Mike Mulraney said: “I have been fortunate enough to have shared many a boardroom with Rod in our time as office bearers and directors. He brought passion to every debate and, as many a player and fellow chair has experienced over the years, he was a shrewd and unremitting negotiator.
“In that regard, it was always easier having Rod on your team. None more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic when, even whilst quietly contending with ill health, he remained steadfast in our collective objective to secure the survival of all member clubs during an unprecedented period of uncertainty.
“Rod was also great company, someone with a devilish sense of humour who cared passionately about the game. He will be missed by all of us.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “Everyone at the SPFL is deeply saddened by the news surrounding Rod’s passing.
“Rod was a hugely respected figure right across the Scottish game and combined sharp intellect with a strong sense of principle, something I greatly admired.
“He was a key member of our board in the SPL era from 2003-2011 and helped drive important change for the league during that period. His true passion outside of his family and friends was Hibernian FC and he provided incredible service to the club in his 28 years there.
“He will be very sadly missed, and our thoughts are with Rod’s loved ones at this time.”
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