Chelsea Replace Peter Kenyon With Ron Gourlay As New Chief Executive

Chelsea announced today that former chief operating officer Ron Gourlay will take over from the departing Peter Kenyon as the club's chief executive.

“It is a huge honour to be offered the chance to lead Chelsea,” said Gourlay, who has been with the club in a variety of directorial roles for five years.

“We have a fantastic team both on and off the field and those teams can move us onto even greater success in the future.

“To be responsible for that is a fantastic challenge and I will be giving it my total commitment, drive and energy."

Gourlay will be tasked with not only developing the club's lucrative business interests, but also ensure things on the field continue to go from strength to strength.

“All successful clubs strike the balance between the footballing and commercial sides and my role is to ensure this happens as it is a critical part of our strategy moving forward," he said.

“We have great partners in Samsung, adidas, Etihad and many others. Together we will move our relationships onto the next level and develop new and exciting opportunities in other areas and with other companies in key markets around the world.”

Like his predecessor Kenyon, whose departure was only announced yesterday and will officially leave on October 31st, Gourlay has previously worked for Manchester United, where he spent five years as commercial director, and sporting goods manafacturer Umbro.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said:

“Ron was the outstanding candidate for the job. It was not necessary to look outside as we had someone with all the necessary attributes inside which was important as it ensures continuity and a smooth transition.

“He has the total support of the Board and Roman and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him."