Chelsea Promote Gourlay To Chief Executive Post

Chelsea have moved promptly to replace departing chief executive Peter Kenyon through an internal promotion with Ron Gourlay stepping up to the post from his existing role as the Premier League club’s chief operating officer.

Like Kenyon, the 46-year old Gourlay was recruited by Chelsea from Manchester United where he was commercial director of the club’s merchandising department.

Again like Kenyon, he arrived at Old Trafford after working for sportswear company Umbro for 16 years.

Kenyon announced that he would be quitting his post, which he has held since January 2004, at the end of October.

He will continue at the club as a non-executive director, and will also continue to represent Chelsea in various capacities, including committee roles with European governing body Uefa.

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 (club owner) Roman Abramovich and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him.

‘We are absolutely confident that he can now take us forward into the next stage of our development as a club and business.’