Chelsea's former chief executive Peter Kenyon has joined one of the biggest talent agencies in the world. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian
Chelsea's former chief executive Peter Kenyon has joined the sports arm of Creative Artists Agency – one of the world's largest talent management companies.
Kenyon, who left his post at Chelsea last month after five years with the club, will be based in the agency's London office and be charged with building on a roster of clients that already includes David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andy Murray and the basketball star LeBron James.
Kenyon will also be reunited with José Mourinho, another CAA client, who was a close ally while working together under the Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich.
Kenyon said: "After 14 years running the two most successful clubs [Chelsea and Manchester United], I decided that I wanted to move on. CAA has clearly demonstrated that it is the best in the industry.
"I have worked with CAA Sports over the past two years with Chelsea and have learned a lot from their approach and their team culture, which enables them to work effectively across a wide and exciting range of clients, both individuals and companies.
"In a short period of time and in an increasingly competitive environment, CAA Sports has established itself as a leader in US sports, and I look forward to helping grow its international presence and creating new opportunities for the agency and its clients overseas."
Now 55, Kenyon was chief executive of the sportswear company Umbro before joining Manchester United as a director in 1997. He was promoted to chief executive in 2000 before taking on a similar role with Chelsea in 2003.
