Source: SKY_Sports
Gourlay is new Blues chief
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Chelsea have announced that Ron Gourlay is to succeed Peter Kenyon as the club's new chief executive.[LNB] The Blues were informed of Kenyon's decision to step down from the role on Wednesday.[LNB]He will remain in the post until the end of the October, but will then make way for the new man.[LNB]Gourlay has been working as Chelsea's chief operating officer but is delighted to have been offered the opportunity to step into Kenyon's shoes.[LNB]"It is a huge honour to be offered the chance to lead Chelsea," he told the club's official website.[LNB]"We have a fantastic team both on and off the field and those teams can move us on to even greater success in the future.[LNB]"To be responsible for that is a fantastic challenge and I will be giving it my total commitment, drive and energy.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Outstanding candidateGourlay has been with Chelsea, in a variety of roles, for the last five years, while he has more than 25 years of experience within football after previously undertaking senior roles at Manchester United and Umbro.[LNB]"Ron was the outstanding candidate for the job," said Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"He has the total support of the board and Roman (Abramovich) and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him.[LNB]"Ron has been a central figure in the commercial success of Chelsea in recent years and he has excellent operational experience and is thoroughly respected across the football side.[LNB]"We are absolutely confident that he can now take us forward into the next stage of our development as a club and business."[LNB]
