Gannon, with support from the entire management team, will take responsibility for all the business areas of the club and will report directly to the board.

Chelsea’s co-controlling owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano said: ‘We are pleased to announce that Jason Gannon has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Chelsea Football Club and will be leading our accomplished management team on a day-to-day basis.

'Jason’s unique combination of talent, experience and strategic vision will drive the club forward as we work to achieve our ambitions on and off the pitch.’

Boehly, Eghbali and Feliciano added: ‘We would like to express our gratitude to Chris for taking on this role. He is an outstanding executive, a fact that is underlined by the talented leadership team formed during his tenure.’

Gannon said: ‘I am honoured to assume this elevated position within a club so rich in history and well-renowned across the globe. I have developed relationships with many supporters over the past year since joining Chelsea, and it is an enormous privilege to be here.

'We have an incredibly passionate supporter base both here in London and across the world, and we are determined to drive the club into a bright and successful future. I would like to thank the board for this tremendous opportunity and I’m thoroughly looking forward to working even closer with the leadership.’

Gannon, a senior executive with more than 15 years’ experience in sporting organisations, joined the club as COO in October last year.

Prior to joining Chelsea, Gannon was the managing director of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park in Los Angeles as part of the Kroenke Organisation, in which he served in various executive, operational and legal capacities.

Jurasek said: ‘I am incredibly proud to have led this historic football club into its next chapter. 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.’

In addition, James Bonington, the club’s General Counsel, has been promoted to Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, and James Murray, the club’s Chief of Staff and Head of Business Operations, has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Business Operations.

Bonington celebrated ten years at Chelsea earlier this year having joined the club from the Football Association in 2014, while Murray moved to Chelsea from AC Milan last year.