Chelsea Chief Exec Gourlay Leaves Club

Chelsea FC have announced that chief executive Ron Gourlay is to leave the club after ten years to ‘pursue new business opportunities’, with chairman Bruce Buck and club director Marina Granovskaia set to assume the additional executive responsibilities until a successor is found.

Gourlay joined Chelsea in 2004 as chief operating officer, before replacing Peter Kenyon as chief executive at the start of 2010.

Chelsea have enjoyed a successful period on the pitch during his time at the London club, winning the Uefa Champions League for the first time in 2012, and off the pitch – despite an annual loss of nearly £50m announced last December – have boosted turnover and commercial income.

Gourlay said in a Chelsea statement: ‘It has been a privilege to have played a role in the club’s considerable achievements both on and off the pitch over the last 10 years, but I feel the time is right to move on to other challenges.’

‘I would like to thank Mr Abramovich, the directors, the manager and players and all the staff for their support during my time at the club, and wish them much continued success in the future.’

Chelsea added in the statement: ‘The club, and in particular the owner and directors, wish to thank Ron for his many years of service to Chelsea and support his desire to seek new challenges.’

‘Ron’s efforts have helped the club to achieve its position as one of the leading football clubs in the world.’