Peter Kenyon

Peter Kenyon is chief executive of Chelsea Football Club, of the FA Premier League in England, and the highest profile sports executive in the United Kingdom. He is a former chief executive of sportswear firm Umbro. His first job at a football club was at Manchester United, but he was head hunted by Chelsea shortly after the Roman Abramovich takeover. After a spell of gardening leave he officially joined Chelsea in January 2004.

Related Topics:
Chelsea Football Club - FA Premier League - England - United Kingdom - Umbro - Manchester United - Roman Abramovich

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Kenyon is the main spokesman for the non-footballing side of Chelsea as Roman Abramovich doesn't give interviews or press conferences and Chelsea's chairman Bruce Buck keeps a low profile. Kenyon's background is in marketing, and he was recruited by Chelsea to increase the club's commercial income. He has negotiated a £12 million a year kit deal which starts in 2006 and a £10 million a year shirt sponsorship deal with Samsung, which starts in 2005.

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Since joining Chelsea Kenyon has been involved in high profile controversies including an attempt to persuade the manager of the England national team Sven-Göran Eriksson to become manager of Chelsea, and an alleged tapping-up of Arsenal and England left-back Ashley Cole. Kenyon is disliked by many people in Britain on the basis of his record at both Manchester United and Chelsea, especially by supporters of rival clubs and some sections of the media. In addition some Chelsea fans are concerned that his negative image is detrimental to the reputation of their club. His very business minded emphasis on selling football clubs as "brands" alienates many supporters.

Related Topics:
Sven-Göran Eriksson - Arsenal - Ashley Cole

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