Ron Gourlay to step up as he’s named successor to Peter Kenyon

Simon Johnson
17 Sep 2009

Chelsea have confirmed that the club's chief operating officer Ron Gourlay will replace Peter Kenyon as their new chief executive after he leaves on 31 October.

Gourlay was favourite to succeed Kenyon, who announced his decision to stand down yesterday, having become an increasingly significant figure at the club since he joined from Manchester United's commercial department in 2004.

The 46-year-old has worked in the football industry for more than 25 years, 16 of which were as the sales and marketing director at leading sportswear manufacturer Umbro.

It is understood his role will not have the same power as the one Kenyon had, for Gourlay will be left to concentrate on the commercial side while sporting director Frank Arnesen takes charge of day to day football matters — including player signings, contract negotiation and dealing with manager Carlo Ancelotti.

However, Gourlay is relishing the challenge he now faces and said: “It is a huge honour to be offered the chance to lead Chelsea.

“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.

“All successful clubs strike thebalance 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.

“We have great partners in Samsung, adidas, Etihad and many others.

“Together we will move our relationships on to the next level and develop new and exciting opportunities in other areas and with other companies in key markets around the world.”
Gourlay, who is believed to be a Celtic fan, may approach the job with a more no-nonsense approach than his predecessor.

One of his roles has been to attend the fans' forum, an occasion is where some selected supporters get the chance to air their views on the way the club is run.

According to one insider, Gourlay was described as very much as the bad cop to Kenyon's good cop because of the way he sometimes reacted to their questions or demands. He also flew out to Moscow ahead of the Champions League Final against Manchester United in 2008 to help with the team's preparations and discuss security issues regarding the travelling fans.

But it is his vast experience in marketing which will be most beneficial the club, and he has worked alongside Kenyon as they have developed Chelsea as a brand.

Blues chairman Bruce Buck insisted they never considered the possibility of looking for someone to replace Kenyon from outside the club and .

He 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 Abramovich and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him.

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

Tom Cannon, who is the respected Professor of Strategic Development at the University of Liverpool Management School and a respected voice on business practices in the game, believes Gourlay is taking charge at a time when Chelsea's future is looking better than ever.

Assessing the Blues' recent performance: “Peter Kenyon has made Chelsea a global brand. The truth is if you look at brands in world football, Chelsea are now one of them.

“It is always a surprise when such a powerful individual leaves on an upswing.

“They are top of the Premier League, perhaps have their best chance of winning the Champions League and have joined the £200m-a-year club (in turnover) in English football.

“He did make a tremendous impact on the club. He has been a unique individual in that he was able to take the owner's vision and actually implement it, particularly on the commercial side.

“We have seen a strengthening on all levels on the commercial side and been able to make Chelsea a power not just in the UK, but in European and global football.”