Aston Villa announce ex-Liverpool chief Christian Purslow as new CEO to boost Premier League ambitions
Former Chelsea and Anfield chief exec Purslow joins the Villa Park board after Tony Xia gets new investment in Birmingham club
ASTON VILLA have installed former Chelsea and Liverpool Managing Director Christian Purslow as their new CEO.
Controlling shareholders owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, along with Dr Tony Xia, turned to vastly-experienced Purslow to replace sacked former CEO Keith Wyness.
Wyness left in controversial circumstances shortly after Villa’s play-off final defeat to Fulham.
Harvard-educated Purslow will take over the day-to-day running of the club with immediate effect and will also become a minority investor in Villa.
The 54-year-old, was managing director of Chelsea from 2014 to 2017 and chief executive of Liverpool from 2009 to 2010 and was successful in bringing in huge sponsorship deals and kit deals for both clubs.
Villa will be hoping Purslow can use his Midas touch to help them rebuild their finances after struggling to cope with strict Financial Fair Play rules under Xia.
Purslow was responsible for brokering some of the biggest deals in football history – including Chelsea’s ground-breaking £900million kit deal with Nike.
Dr Tony Xia said: "I am delighted to welcome Christian who will work closely with Nassef, Wes and myself to move the club in a better direction.
"I look forward to seeing him shine at our football club."
Villa hope to land Chelsea's Tammy Abraham on loan today after the striker failed to make any of Maurizio Sarri's squads this season.