Gourlay, who was commercial director of club merchandising at Manchester United and spent 16 years at sportswear maker Umbro, has been at Chelsea for five years in a variety of roles.
"Ron was the outstanding candidate for the job," said Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck. "It was not necessary to look outside as we had someone with all the necessary attributes inside which was important as it ensures continuity and a smooth transition.”
"He has the total support of the board and Roman [Abramovich] and both the football and business elements of the club will report to him."
Chelsea announced on Wednesday that Kenyon would step down as chief executive, a position he has held since January 2004.
