Reading have appointed former Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay as the club's new chief executive.

The 54-year-old, who departed the Blues in 2014, replaces Nigel Howe, who moves across to the position of vice-chairman after 22 years as CEO.

"I am delighted to take up this new position as chief executive at Reading Football Club and I consider it a real honour to be presented with the fantastic challenge of guiding the club to the next level," Gourlay said in a statement.

"I look forward to working closely with all the staff who, through their dedication and commitment on a day-to-day basis, strive to make this club successful at every level - and I am excited to be working alongside manager Jaap Stam and his coaching team, director of football Brian Tevreden and a very promising squad of players ahead of what I am sure will be another exhilarating campaign in the Sky Bet Championship."

Under Stam, the Royals finished third in the Championship last term and reached the playoff final, only to lose out to Huddersfield Town in a penalty shootout.