FORMER Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has been appointed as the new CEO of Premier League side Sunderland.

The 47-year-old will make the move to the Stadium of Light in July after quitting his post at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Bain was a member of the SPL board during his time at Ibrox and was a key figure of Sir David Murray’s regime before he resigned in June 2011 following the arrival of Craig Whyte.

He said: “It is a great honour and privilege to become CEO at a club with Sunderland’s rich history and heritage. I have been fortunate to be a part of a team that has brought great success to two clubs with passionate supporter bases and I am excited by the opportunity to do the same at Sunderland.

“Sunderland fans are recognised as some of the most loyal and passionate in football. The backing they gave the team in the two recent vital home games played an integral part in the victories. Such tremendous support deserves a successful club and that is what we will aim to give them.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the chairman and everyone involved with the club, and will endeavour to do everything possible to help the club to realise its potential.”

The Sunderland post has been vacant since Margaret Byrne stepped down in the wake of the Adam Johnson scandal that engulfed the Black Cats earlier this year.

And chairman Ellis Short is confident the Scot will make a positive impact as Sam Allardyce’s side prepare for another top flight campaign next term.

Short said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin to Sunderland. With his commercial experience, commitment to working closely with local communities and impressive track record of building winning teams on and off the pitch, I know that we have someone that can take us forward.

“Martin will strive to transform our financial performances, which we acknowledge must improve significantly, into a stable and successful model, to give us a club that we and our fans can be proud of. In doing so, he will receive the full support of everyone at Sunderland AFC.”