LONDON - Chelsea have appointed club insider Ron Gourlay as their new chief executive following Peter Kenyon's decision to step down from the role at the end of next month.

LONDON - Chelsea have appointed club insider Ron Gourlay as their new chief executive following Peter Kenyon's decision to step down from the role at the end of next month.

Gourlay, currently the chief operating officer at Stamford Bridge, has been on the Chelsea staff since 2005, having previously spent five years as commercial director at Manchester United.

Chelsea chairperson 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."

Kenyon's departure has been interpreted by some as the result of frustration over his receding influence at the club owned by Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich. But both the club and Kenyon - who is seeking a new job - insist the parting has been amicable. Kenyon will continue as a non-executive director. - Sapa-AFP