Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, has been appointed to the main board of the Scottish Football Association.

Lawwell, the nominee of the professional game board, joins the four SFA office bearers; chief executive Stewart Regan, president Campbell Ogilvie, vice-president Alan McRae, and second vice-president Rod Petrie, on the board with Barrie Jackson, the independent non-executive director.

It is expected that the board will be completed with the appointment of Tom Johnson of the Scottish Junior Football Association, who is likely to be nominated by the non-professional game board at its next meeting

In effect, the Celtic chief executive replaces Ralph Topping, chairman of the Scottish Professional Football League.

Lawwell said last night: "Clearly I am pleased to accept this nomination. Whilst there are certain challenges facing the game in Scotland, there is also a great deal to be positive about and much to look forward to."

He added: "We must build on these positives and along with other board members I look forward to playing my part in working to improve and develop various aspects of the game, for the benefit of Scottish football as a whole."

It is understood that Lawwell was nominated for the place on the main board by Michael Johnson, chairman of Kilmarnock.

Regan, Ogilvie, McRae, Petrie and Lawwell are also on the professional game board with SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster, Dr Andrew Waddell of the East of Scotland Football League, Sandy Stables of the Highland League, Johnston, Stenhousemuir chairman Bill Darroch and Aberdeen managing director Duncan Fraser.

Lawwell's high-profile position at Celtic has ensured he is never far from controversy but he is recognised as being the key figure in the stable financial position at the club.

Interim financial results for the second half of 2012 showed Celtic made a pre-tax profit of £14.94m and the club's qualification for the Champions League this season,with matches against AC Milan, Barcelona and Ajax, ensure the club will post profits this year.

Lawwell has been instrumental, too, in developing the Celtic recruitment model of searching previously overlooked markets for players

He has also been robust in demanding change in Scottish football and vociferous in his assertions that the game north of the border must change or die.

Lawwell has been involved in disputes with the SFA in the past, most notably over disciplinary and officiating matters, but it is understood the hierarchy of the game is keen to use his business acumen at a critical time for Scottish football.