Try GOLD - Free
Valencia Will Compete for Top Honours: New CEO
The Straits Times
|May 30, 2025
After overcoming an early threat of relegation and turning things around to remain in La Liga, Singaporean-owned Valencia are aiming to compete for honours and "return to the top tier of European football" with the hiring of former Chelsea chief executive officer Ron Gourlay.
Valencia president Kiat Lim, the son of owner Peter Lim, said in a statement that they are building for the future, with a foundation that is "sustainable, ambitious and worthy of our proud history."
The 31-year-old, who was appointed in March, added: "In Ron Gourlay, we have a senior and very experienced sporting CEO who understands the complexities of modern football and the demands of a top-tier club to lead the project."
The 63-year-old Briton comes with considerable pedigree, having held senior executive roles at English clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, Reading, West Bromwich Albion (WBA), and Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli.
Most notably, he was with Chelsea from 2009 to 2014, during which he oversaw one of the most successful periods in the Blues' history as they won an English Premier League title, two FA Cups, and their first Champions League and Europa League titles.
This story is from the May 30, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Students lead effort to save birds from crashing into iconic NTU building
Birds would fly straight into the glass facade thinking the windows are part of landscape
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
'What we promise, we deliver': Sunway founder on building a legacy of trust
Tycoon seeks to make conglomerate a major gateway from S'pore to Malaysia
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Why renewables are difficult to talk about at UN climate summits
When the 2035 climate targets of countries are scrutinised at the upcoming United Nations climate change conference COP30 in Brazil, the spotlight will be on whether the nations have done enough to meet a collective goal to ramp up clean energy adoption.
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Benz Hui's family to donate all condolence money to charity
All the condolence money for veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, his family said in an obituary released on Oct 31.
1 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Dear Evan Hansen still moves with its message of feeling included
The title's second outing in Singapore features a larger cast and set, and has maintained the relatability and heart of the story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
From Vanuatu to Yishun: The plant giving S’pore fall colours all year
As the weather cools in the Northern Hemisphere, fall foliage is sure to draw the eye. But even in tropical Singapore, the colours of autumn can be enjoyed year round - in Gardens by the Bay and along the country’s streetscapes, from Yishun to Bukit Panjang.
5 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Nearly half of Cat A COEs go to EVs in first 9 months of 2025
EVs make up 43% of new car registrations, up from 33.8% in 2024 and 18.2% in 2023
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Youth who faced family tragedy among 12 inaugural President's Challenge fellows
Growing up in a troubled family, Ms Shirlene Ng was 13 when she witnessed her mother take her own life. Her mental health took a hit.
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
An uneven muddle of themes and genres
A deeper dive into the intergenerational female trauma of Congratulations, Get Rich! would make for a — pun intended — richer story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Backyard cafes in JB village give owners hope of lease extension
Locals bank on increased economic activity boosting their case, preserving area’s heritage
5 mins
November 03, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size