Ron Gourlay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ron Gourlay
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![]() Gourlay whilst CEO of Chelsea Football Club
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CEO of West Bromwich Albion Football Club | |
In office 2022–2024 |
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Preceded by | Xu Ke |
CEO of Reading Football Club | |
In office 2017–2018 |
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Preceded by | Nigel Howe |
Succeeded by | Nigel Howe |
CEO of Chelsea Football Club | |
In office 2009–2014 |
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Preceded by | Peter Kenyon |
Succeeded by | Marina Granovskaia |
Personal details | |
Born | Dundee Scotland |
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Businessman |
Ron Gourlay is a British businessman. He is currently the CEO of Al-Ahli, a football club in Saudi Arabia. Before this, he was the CEO of several well-known football clubs in England. These clubs include Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, and Reading. A CEO is like the main boss who runs the business side of a company or club.
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Ron Gourlay's Career in Football
Ron Gourlay has spent many years working in the world of football. He has held important leadership roles at different clubs.
Working at Chelsea Football Club
Ron Gourlay started working at Chelsea in 2004. Before joining Chelsea, he had experience with other big names in sports. He worked for Manchester United and also for Umbro, a company that makes sports clothing and equipment.
On September 17, 2009, Ron Gourlay was chosen to be the chief executive of Chelsea. He took over this important job after Peter Kenyon decided to leave the club. Gourlay officially started his new role on October 31, 2009.
When he was appointed, Ron Gourlay said he felt very honored. He believed Chelsea had a great team, both on the field and behind the scenes. He was excited to help the club achieve even more success. He promised to give his full effort and energy to the role.
Time at Reading Football Club
On July 10, 2017, Gourlay became the CEO of Reading. He worked there for about 16 months. He left his position on November 19, 2018.
After he left, some people, like former Reading chairman John Madejski, felt that Gourlay did not fully understand the club's unique traditions. They believed his time there affected the strong connections between the club and its local community.
Leading West Bromwich Albion
Ron Gourlay was appointed as CEO of West Bromwich Albion on February 2, 2022. This happened after the club's head coach, Valerien Ismael, left his role.
Moving to Al-Ahli FC
On January 22, 2024, Ron Gourlay took on a new challenge. He was appointed as the CEO of Al-Ahli, a football club located in Saudi Arabia.