Todd Boehly takes on sporting director role as Chelsea announce new structure

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will serve as interim sporting director as the highly-regarded Marina Granovskaia departs Stamford Bridge after 19 years of “excellent service”

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Chelsea owner Todd Boehly thanked Marina Granovskaia for her “many years of excellent service” as he unveiled the Blues’ new hierarchy.

The American tycoon, 48, will become interim sporting director as the highly-regarded Granovskaia departs Stamford Bridge after 19 years. Boehly completed his takeover of the West London club in late May to end months of uncertainty under his predecessor, Roman Abramovich.

Accompanying a statement released on the club’s official website on Wednesday morning, Boehly said: “As custodians of Chelsea FC, we now begin executing our long-term vision and plan for the Club, creating an outstanding experience for its passionate, loyal fans, and continuing to challenge for top honours in line with Chelsea FC’s decorated history.

“Working together, side-by-side, we are firmly committed to winning, both on and off the pitch. For us, that effort has begun.” Boehly has been named chairman of the Chelsea board and will serve alongside:

• Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, co-controlling owners of Chelsea FC, and co-founders and managing partners of Clearlake Capital
• Mark Walter, co-owner of Chelsea FC, co-founder and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, owner of Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Sparks
• Hansjorg Wyss, co-owner of Chelsea FC, founder of the Wyss Foundation
• Jonathan Goldstein, co-owner of Chelsea FC, co-founder and CEO of Cain International
• Barbara Charone, director and co-founder of MBC PR
• Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE, columnist and former executive editor of The Times.
• James Pade, partner and managing director of Clearlake Capital

Are you pleased by the changes to the Chelsea hierarchy? Have your say in the comments…

As interim sporting director until Chelsea appoint a successor to Granovskaia, Boehly will take charge of the club’s work in the summer transfer window. He has already adopted a hands-on approach during his first weeks with the Blues and sanctioned the departure of club-record signing Romelu Lukaku, who is set to return to Inter Milan on loan.

The Chelsea owner concluded the statement by saying: “We thank Marina for her many years of excellent service to the Club and wish her all the best in her future ventures.” Granovskaia’s departure follows Bruce Buck stepping down after 19 years as Chelsea chairman. The American will continue to serve the Blues in an advisory role.

“I am proud to have helped Chelsea realise great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community,” Buck said. “Now is the right time to step down and let new ownership build on the strong foundations we have in place. The owners have a compelling vision for Chelsea’s future, and I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters.”