Purslow Steps Down From Chelsea Role
Christian Purslow has confirmed he will step down from his role as managing director of Chelsea Football Club.
Purslow, who previously held a similar role at Liverpool FC, will leave the club at the end of the season following two seasons at the Premier League leaders.
During his tenure, he’s overseen major commercial deals including, a £60m a year kit deal with Nike and a £40m a year shirt sponsorship with Yokohama Rubber.
Chelsea FC chairman Bruce Buck said: “Christian joined us in 2014 with the goal of transforming our commercial activities. Under his leadership some of the world’s finest brands and companies have joined us and we have announced some record-breaking sponsorships. Christian will continue to work with the club in a transition period until the end of the season. We are very grateful for his contribution and he will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge.”
Purslow added: “I am proud of what we have all achieved, with Chelsea now enjoying great success off the field as well as on it and a commercial team in place to help cement Chelsea’s position at the top of the game.”
As a result of the news, Purslow will not be able to attend tomorrow’s Sport Industry Breakfast Club.
Members will be able to hear from Paul Barber, chief executive of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, who are once again challenging at the top of the Championship table. In a 20-year career in professional football, Paul has held senior positions at Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the MLS, Tottenham Hotspur FC in the Premier League, and at The Football Association (FA), where he worked closely with England’s men’s and women’s teams at all levels. Paul has also served on various committees for The EFL, The FA, UEFA and FIFA.
In 2014, Paul was elected to the board of the EFL as one of three Championship club representatives. In the summer of 2016, Paul was elected to represent the EFL on both The FA Council and Professional Game Board, which serves the interests of professional football clubs at all levels.
