LONDON: Chelsea have named Ron Gourlay as their new chief executive following the departure of Peter Kenyon. Gourlay was previously the club's chief operating officer.

"It is a huge honour to be offered the chance to lead Chelsea," said Gourlay. "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. 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 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."

Gourlay has been at Chelsea for five years and has previously had senior roles at Manchester United and Umbro. Frank Arnesen was thought to be in the frame to replace Kenyon, but Chelsea's chairman, Bruce Buck, claimed Gourlay 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," added Buck. "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."