Chris Jurasek has departed his role as chief executive officer at Chelsea just 15 months into his role at Stamford Bridge.
Jurasek was appointed in 2023 having moved over from Clearlake Capital, who co-own Chelsea alongside chairman Todd Boehly.
The club also confirmed Jason Gannon, who joined as Chelsea’s chief operating officer in October last year, will replace Jurasek.
Gannon retains his title as COO, but also Chelsea’s new president as part of his new remit.
“I am incredibly proud to have led this historic football club into its next chapter,” Jurasek said in a club statement.
“We have accomplished the task of building a team both on and off the pitch that means the club is well-positioned for long-term success.
“I have complete confidence in Jason and the Executive Leadership Team that was built and am thankful to have played a part in its establishment.”
However, sections of Chelsea’s fanbase won’t be too disappointed to see Jusarek depart the club. – especially after he once longed for three points from a Carabao Cup fixture,
Jurasek found himself on the wrong side of several supporters when he oversaw the cutting of away travel subsidies on coach travel in August 2023.
The Premier League introduced subsidies for away supporters, but Chelsea were the only club in the Premier League who maintained it after it had ended.
According to the BBC, the subsidy set the club back £250,000, forcing Jurasek to cancel the scheme in a bid to help the club become more financially sustainable.
In a scathing statement, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) labelled Jurasek as ‘tone deaf’ and looked forward to what Gannon would offer as his replacement.
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“The CST first met Mr Jurasek in August 2023 ahead of the League Cup tie vs AFC Wimbledon,” the statement, via BBC’s Nizaar Kinsella, 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 CST looks forward to working with Jason Gannon as he is promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.
“This is a positive change that the club should use to rebuild the trust and confidence of supporters.”
The internal changes at Chelsea follow a massive turnover in the summer transfer window.
New Blues boss Enzo Maresca oversaw 11 signings at a cost of £201million, while 24 departed as the club generated £166m in income.
Under Maresca, Chelsea have had a mixed start to the season with a win, draw and a defeat from their opening three Premier League fixtures.
The club also secured a spot in the Europa Conference League group stage after beating Servette 3-2 on aggregate.
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