Chelsea have announced that chief executive Ron Gourlay has left the club after spending 10 years with the Premier League side.

Gourlay, who spent five years as CEO at Chelsea, has decided to leave his post at Stamford Bridge in order to focus on other business opportunities.

A statement on the club's official website said: "The club, and in particular the owner and directors, wish to thank Ron for his many years of service to Chelsea and support his desire to seek new challenges. Ron's efforts have helped the club to achieve its position as one of the leading football clubs in the world."

Gourlay added: "It has been a privilege to have played a role in the club's considerable achievements both on and off the pitch over the last 10 years, but I feel the time is right to move on to other challenges.

"I would like to thank [owner] Mr Roman Abramovich, the directors, the manager and players and all the staff for their support during my time at the club, and wish them much continued success in the future."

The Blues, who currently have a five-point lead at the top of the league table, have confirmed that, for now, chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia will take on additional executive responsibilities.