MUMBAI: A day after Peter Kenyon stepped down as CEO of Chelsea FC, the English football club has been quick to name his replacement. Ron Gourlay, the club’s chief operating officer, has now been elevated to the post.

"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,” Gourlay said in a statement.

Commenting on Gourlay‘s elevation, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said, "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. Gourlay has the total support of the board and Roman Abramovich and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him."

Gourlay has spent five years at Chelsea. He’s also worked with other clubs such as Manchester Untied and Umbro – two of Kenyon’s former employers.