Chief exec Jurasek leaves Chelsea after 15 months

Chelsea chief executive Chris Jurasek has left the club after 15 months in his role at Stamford Bridge.

Jurasek, who oversaw the business side of the club, was appointed in May 2023.

He joined the club from Clearlake Capital, the private equity firm that part owns Chelsea alongside club chairman Todd Boehly.

Jason Gannon has been announced as Jurasek's replacement as the club's new president and chief operating officer, having previously worked solely as the club's chief operating officer.

"I am honoured to assume this elevated position within a club so rich in history and well-renowned across the globe," said Gannon.

"I have developed relationships with many supporters over the past year since joining Chelsea, and it is an enormous privilege to be here."

Jurasek said the club had "accomplished the task of building a team both on and off the pitch" and that Chelsea are "well positioned for long-term success".

Jurasek was an unpopular figure with many supporters after cutting away travel subsidies, which is said to have saved the club about £250,000.

Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) said Jurasek was "tone deaf" from the start of his appointment at Stamford Bridge.

"The CST first met Mr Jurasek in August 2023 ahead of the League Cup tie vs AFC Wimbledon," a CST statement read.

"During the feisty meeting, he hoped that the team performed well that night and secured three points… this set the manner for his tone deaf tenure as CEO in which he made no effort to build a relationship with any supporter group."

The group said Gannon's appointment was a "positive change".

Gannon is one of a number of upcoming changes at Stamford Bridge.

Todd Kline will join from Tottenham - once he completes his gardening leave - alongside former Manchester United employee Phil Lynch to complete Chelsea's new management committee alongside chief of staff Casper Stylsvig and head of business James Murray.

The football side of the operation will continue to be run by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, alongside hands-on input from co-owner Behdad Eghbali.

Jurasek has lasted little over a year as Chelsea's chief executive in a move that is described as planned by those behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea started both his seasons in charge without a front-of-shirt sponsor.

As an executive at Clearlake, Jurasek has often come into businesses on a temporary basis to revamp the leadership.

That is exactly what he has done at Chelsea and his work was respected internally as Boehly and Clearlake made wholesale changes since buying the club from Roman Abramovich.

Gannon, involved in the SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park redevelopment, is immediately promoted and will help Chelsea when trying to rebuild or redevelop Stamford Bridge and make training ground improvements.

Gannon will also oversee delivering on commercial targets.