Ron Gourlay has been named as Chelsea's new chief executive after Peter Kenyon stepped down from the post.

Gourlay, 46, steps up from his current role as the Stamford Bridge outfit's chief operating officer.

He told the club's official website: "It is a huge honour to be offered the chance to lead Chelsea."

Like Kenyon, Gourlay was recruited by Chelsea from Manchester United where he was commercial director of the club's merchandising department.

Again like Kenyon, he arrived at Old Trafford after working for sportswear company Umbro for 16 years.

Chelsea announced on Wednesday that Kenyon, 55, would be quitting his post, which he has held since January 2004, at the end of October.

He will continue at the club as a non-executive director, and will also continue to represent Chelsea in various capacities, including committee roles with European governing body Uefa.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck 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 (club owner) Roman Abramovich and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him.

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

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