OFFICIAL STATEMENT | RON GOURLAY APPOINTED AS VALENCIA CF’S NEW CEO OF FOOTBALL 

Valencia CF are pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Gourlay as the club’s new CEO of Football, marking a key strategic step in the mission to return to the top tier of European football under the presidency of Kiat Lim.

Gourlay brings with him over two decades of top-level experience in football, having held senior executive roles at prestigious clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea FC, West Bromwich Albion and Al-Ahli FC. His background includes deep expertise in football operations, squad development, and strategic transformation. Notably, he appointed Carlos Corberán as head coach at West Bromwich Albion, a decision that sparked a dramatic turnaround in the club’s fortunes and cemented a close professional relationship between the two. He will now reunite with Corberán at Valencia CF.

This appointment underlines Valencia CF’s strategy to restore the club's historic position among Europe’s elite, with a dynamic leadership now in place that combines Lim’s forward-looking presidency and wide-reaching network and Gourlay’s decades of football management expertise.

In this new chapter, Gourlay will reunite with Carlos Corberán, following a previously successful partnership. Their proven alignment, shared vision, and leadership will form a solid foundation for driving Valencia CF toward the growth and success our fans rightly expect.

This decision is part of the long-term strategy spearheaded by Lim, aimed at strengthening the club’s sporting structure and implementing a modern, results-oriented management model.

GOURLAY’S APPOINTMENT BRINGS WORLD-CLASS FOOTBALL LEADERSHIP TO VALENCIA CF 

With over 25 years of experience at the highest levels of the game, Gourlay has held senior executive roles at some of English football’s most storied clubs, including Chief Executive of Chelsea FC, where he oversaw one of the most successful periods in their history. During his tenure, Chelsea secured a Premier League title, two FA Cups, the UEFA Europa League, and their first UEFA Champions League victory in 2012. He later led strategic and operational transformations at West Bromwich Albion, bringing stability and long-term planning to both clubs. His impact extended beyond Europe during his time with Al-Ahli Saudi FC, where he steered the club to an AFC Champions League title within a single season, showcasing his adaptability and influence on a global stage.

Widely respected across the industry for his sharp footballing acumen and boardroom leadership, Gourlay’s arrival strengthens Kiat Lim’s vision of modernising and globalising Valencia CF, whilst remaining deeply rooted in the club’s identity and tradition.

“We are building Valencia CF for the future, with a foundation that is sustainable, ambitious, and worthy of our proud history. In Ron Gourlay, we have a senior and very experienced Sporting CEO who understands the complexities of modern football and the demands of a top-tier club to lead the project,” said Lim. 

“It’s a privilege to join Valencia CF at such a pivotal time. This club have passion, heritage, and a global fanbase that deserves success. I’m thrilled to reunite with Carlos again. With Kiat’s leadership at the helm, we have a shared ambition to restore Valencia CF to where the club belong – competing for top honours, with a squad that reflects the club’s identity and future,” said  Gourlay. 

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, both squad planning and transfer market opportunities are already being carefully assessed by Gourlay and the recruitment department at Valencia CF.

The road ahead will demand bold decisions and a relentless focus on performance – and the club are now poised with the leadership to deliver exactly that, as a new and exciting time begins at Valencia CF.