Todd Boehly steps into Marina Granovskaia’s shoes as new Chelsea board announced

Chelsea have announced their new board of directors headed by Todd Boehly, who will also act as interim sporting director to handle the club’s summer transfer dealings.

Chelsea’s co-controlling owner will take over the role of Marina Granovskaia, who has overseen transfers in the Roman Abramovich era.

Granovskaia has now stepped down from her directorship, leaving US magnate Boehly to lead recruitment negotiations this summer. And it will surely prove to be a busy period with Thomas Tuchel admitting last month “we are rebuilding, not improving the squad”.

Granovskaia has been in charge of transfers at the club since 2010 and played a significant role in Boehly’s takeover. But it’s understood the Russian’s close ties with Abramovich meant her fate was sealed. The Government were keen to see the club wipe the slate clean.

Boehly has also been confirmed as the Stamford Bridge club’s new chairman, replacing Bruce Buck with immediate effect.

The Times claimed last month that Buck, Granovskaia and a handful of others would be splitting a pot of money of around £30m.

The club’s new board has been formed and all the Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium figureheads have announced.

Boehly has ‘long-term vision’

“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 dedicated history,” said Boehly.

“Working together, side by side, we are firmly committed to winning, both on and off the pitch. For us, that effort has begun.”

The club’s website has announced a list of names who are “included” on the new board.

Chelsea co-controlling owners and managing partners of Clearlake Capital Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano have been added to the new board.

Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter, Swiss businessman Hansjorg Wyss and CEO of Cain International Jonathan Goldstein are also included.

Music industry supremo Barbara Charone, Clearlake Capital partner James Pade and former executive editor of The Times Daniel Finkelstein have also been added to the board.

Chelsea aim for ‘global platform’

“As the new era of the Boehly-Clearlake ownership begins, we are excited to build a championship organisation. And grow Chelsea FC as a global platform,” said Eghbali and Feliciano.

“We look forward to backing Thomas Tuchel, Emma Hayes and their teams. And will provide proactive, unbending support to make Chelsea’s loyal fans and our partners proud.”

Chelsea will now start the search for a permanent sporting director. Granovskaia will be available as a consultant while the “transition” takes place.

“Boehly will operate as interim sporting director until the club names a full-time replacement, continuing the club’s work towards its targets during the current transfer window,” read Chelsea’s statement.

“We thank Marina for her many years of excellent service to the club. And wish her all the best in her future ventures,” said Boehly.