He was appointed the chief executive of Chelsea on 17 September 2009, following Peter Kenyon's decision to leave the club on 31 October 2009.

[3] He was quoted as saying: "It is a huge honour to be offered the chance to lead Chelsea".

To be responsible for that is a fantastic challenge and I will be giving it my total commitment, drive and energy" after being named as the successor.

[5] On 10 July 2017, Gourlay was appointed as CEO of Reading,[6] leaving his role with immediate effect on 19 November 2018.

[8] On 2 February 2022 following the departure of then head coach Valerien Ismael, Gourlay was appointed as CEO of West Bromwich Albion.