Ron Gourlay, Valencia’s new CEO of Football
The Mestalla sports structure has undergone a shake-up under the presidency of Kiat Lim, who has appointed the executive who previously signed Corberán for WBA.
Valencia has announced the appointment of Ron Gourlay as its new CEO of Football, taking over the club’s main responsibility for sporting matters, replacing Miguel Corona , who remains at the club for the time being. Gourlay has over 25 years of experience in professional football, with executive positions at clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Reading, West Bromwich Albion, and Al-Ahli FC .
Gourlay, in fact, will be reunited with manager Carlos Corberán , whom he previously signed during his time at West Bromwich Albion . The 62-year-old Scottish executive has based his experience exclusively on English football, with a last adventure at Al-Ahli , from the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia . However, in its statement, the club notes that “this incorporation reinforces its objective of returning to the European elite” with a modern, stable structure focused on sporting performance, indicate the same sources.
With Ron Gourlay, we have a football CEO who understands the demands of modern football.Kiat Lim, president of Valencia
During his time as Chelsea chief executive, the London club won one Premier League, two FA Cups, the Europa League and their first Champions League in 2012. He subsequently held senior roles at Reading and West Bromwich , and led Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli to win the AFC Champions League in a single season.
“We are building the Valencia of the future, with a sustainable and ambitious foundation. In Ron Gourlay, we have a football CEO who understands the demands of modern football,” said Chairman Kiat Lim .
I’m delighted to be reunited with Carlos [Corberán]. With Kiat at the helm, we share the ambition to return Valencia to its rightful place.Ron Gurlay, Valencia’s new CEO of Football
“ It is a privilege to join Valencia at such a pivotal moment,” explained Ron Gurlay in a statement distributed by the Mestalla club in its press release. “This club has passion, heritage, and a global fan base that deserves success. I am delighted to be reunited with Carlos [Corberán]. With Kiat at the helm, we share the ambition to return Valencia to its rightful place: competing for the highest goals, with a squad that reflects the identity and future of the club,” said Ron Gurlay, the new CEO of Football.
The new CEO of Football is currently working with the sports department on planning the upcoming campaign, according to sources at the Mestalla club.
