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When Ron Gourlay stepped down with immediate effect as CEO of Chelsea just a few days ago, we had assumed that his role would be taken over by some combination of Director Marina Granovskaia and Chairman Bruce Buck. It looks like the empty seat in the boardroom however will not have been empty for too long, as the two of them are getting some help in the form of ex-Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow.
The club has ambitious plans to build the Premier League's most pioneering global commercial programme, partnering with innovative and market-leading organisations from around the world. The club believes Mr Purslow has the vision and the leadership qualities to help us achieve these plans.
Chelsea does not expect to announce any other senior appointments in the near future.
-source: Chelsea FC
Purslow had been out of the game since 2011, doing punditry and other assorted financial football analysis, but he will be in charge of the club's "global commercial activities" and will presumably assume Gourlay's globe-trotting, marketing role. Hopefully he can shake the stigma of an ex-Liverpool man at Cheslea (right, Torres, Meireles, Benayoun?). Good luck, Mr. Purslow!