Manchester United confirmed on Tuesday that chief executive Peter Kenyon had left for Premiership rivals Chelsea and had been replaced by David Gill.
Kenyon becomes the latest arrival at Chelsea following the takeover of the club by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. He was reported to have been offered £1-million a year.
As chief executive he made United £400-million in the last three years by tying up deals with United States sportswear makers Nike and mobile phone company Vodafone.
Chelsea’s summer transfer spree has seen them spend more than £111-million pounds on players but Kenyon’s capture might prove to be the most decisive in helping the club challenge Manchester as the world’s wealthiest club.
Kenyon (49) took over from Martin Edwards at Old Trafford in August 2000 after joining the club in 1997 from sportswear makers Umbro International and was instrumental in persuading manager Sir Alex Ferguson to extend his stay at the club.
He also presided over the signings of Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and England defender Rio Ferdinand for a combined total of £80-million.
He played a key part in securing sponsorship deals with Vodafone and Nike, as well as being intimately involved in David Beckham’s transfer to Real Madrid.
Chelsea’s current chief executive, Trevor Birch, brought in for his expertise in taking care of companies in crisis, was expected to move sideways.
Kenyon’s solicitors confirmed in a statement he had accepted Chelsea’s offer.
”The new opportunity that has arisen at Chelsea represents a challenge that Mr Kenyon feels is right to take at this stage in his career.”
Despite buying 13 players since he took over as owner earlier in the summer, Kenyon could prove to be 36-year-old Abramovich’s most important signing.
Gill (46) admitted that Kenyon’s decision to quit Old Trafford had come as a shock.
”It was a bolt out of the blue but we have to move on,” he said.
”I’ve worked with Alex [Ferguson] for six-and-a-half years on all the big deals and I believe that I can develop the same close relationship with him that Peter had.”
Kenyon’s defection met with an angry response from United fans group.
Oliver Huston, spokesperson for Shareholders United, the Manchester United Supporters Trust, questioned Kenyon’s loyalty to the club he has supported since his father took him to watch their European Cup final triumph in 1968.
”Peter Kenyon has always made great play of his loyalty to the club and his dyed-in-the-wool support for Manchester United — how sad that his loyalty appears to have been so easily bought,” Huston said.
Gill, previously managing director at Old Trafford, will move into the role relinquished by Kenyon ”with immediate effect”.
Gill joined United in 1997 as finance director from First Choice Holidays and succeeded Kenyon as deputy chief executive in August 2000 before being promoted to group managing director almost a year later.
A United statement read: ”The board of Manchester United plc is delighted to announce the appointment of David Gill as its new chief executive with immediate effect, to replace Peter Kenyon who has resigned today.”
Manchester United plc chairperson Sir Roy Gardner added: ”We would like to thank Peter for his significant contribution to the success of Manchester United on and off the pitch in the last six years.
”David, as managing director, has also played a major role in that success, and we are delighted that his appointment will bring both experience and continuity to this position.” — Sapa-AFP