Gourlay to Step Up as He's Named Successor to Kenyon; Chelsea Waste Little Time in Filling Vacant Role as They Promote from within by Appointing Chief Operating Officer as Their New Chief Executive. by Simon Johnson

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Byline: Simon Johnson

CHELSEA today confirmed that the club's chief operating officer Ron Gourlay will replace Peter Kenyon as their new chief executive after he leaves on 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 . The -year-old has worked in the football industry for more than years, 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 (right) had, and Gourlay will be …