Chelsea Football Club (CFC) has announced that chief operating officer Ron Gourlay is set to replace Peter Kenyon as the club's new chief executive from 31 October.

Gourlay's appointment follows Kenyon's decision to step down from the role, although he will stay at CFC as a non-executive director and will represent the Premier League club on UEFA and European Clubs' Association committees.

CFC chair Bruce Buck said: "Everyone at Chelsea thanks him [Kenyon] for that contribution and although he will not be with us on a permanent basis he will have an important role to play as a non-executive director and in the various roles he holds in European football bodies." Kenyon added: "I intend to take a little time off before considering what I do next but I am certain I have at least one major challenge left in me."