Football Reading FC Ron Gourlay Soccer

Reading Football Club appoint Ron Gourlay as CEO as Nigel Howe takes up Vice Chairman position

July 10, 2017

Reading Football Club are pleased to announce that Ron Gourlay has been appointed as Chief Executive at Madejski Stadium, with Nigel Howe set to take up the role of Vice Chairman at the club.

Gourlay arrives at Reading with more than 25 years’ experience in football, having previously occupied senior roles at Manchester United and Umbro and as well as a variety of other director-level roles at Chelsea Football Club, where he succeeded Peter Kenyon in 2009 to serve as CEO for five years.

In his first season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won the Premier League and FA Cup double and during his tenure as Chief Executive with the Blues, the club also earned both Champions League and Europa League silverware. He now begins his role with the Royals with immediate effect.

“I am delighted to take up this new position as Chief Executive at Reading Football Club and I consider it a real honour to be presented with the fantastic challenge of guiding the club to the next level,” Gourlay said.

“I look forward to working closely with all the staff who, through their dedication and commitment on a day-to-day basis, strive to make this club successful at every level – and I am excited to be working alongside manager Jaap Stam and his coaching team, Director of Football Brian Tevreden and a very promising squad of players ahead of what I am sure will be another exhilarating campaign in the Sky Bet Championship.”

In parallel, Nigel Howe has been appointed as Vice-Chairman at Reading Football Club and will predominantly oversee the development of the Royal Elm Park project as well as the continuing advancement of our new training ground at Bearwood and potential plans to expand the Madejski Stadium complex itself.

Howe, who has held the position of Chief Executive at Reading since 1995, initially helped to guide the club through the transition to its Madejski Stadium home but also steer the Royals to the top tier of English football for the first time in its history in 2006.

Nigel retains his position on the EFL Board as a Championship representative and will continue to help direct and enhance the reputation of Reading Football Club as a Director on the Royals’ Board.

Howe said, “After more than 21 years as Chief Executive at Reading Football Club, I am extremely excited to be appointed to the position of Vice Chairman.

“On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn during my tenure as CEO and, on behalf of all the staff and supporters, I would like to welcome Ron to Reading – a magnificent club with tremendous potential.”

Football Reading FC Ron Gourlay Soccer