The Sydney Roosters have appointed former Manly boss Joe Kelly as chief executive.

Kelly, a long-time South Sydney chief financial officer, also has experience with Chelsea in the English Premier League and left Manly last year.

“Joe has over two decades’ experience in sports administration both in Australia and overseas,” Roosters chairman Nick Politis said.

“(He) brings a unique skill-set to the Sydney Roosters which we are confident ensures he is the right candidate to lead our club.”

The move comes after the Roosters parted ways with John Lee last month.

Kelly presided over a difficult time at the Sea Eagles, brought in after the Penn family bought a controlling stake of the board, ending years of fractures.

He was at the helm when Geoff Toovey was sacked as coach as Bob Fulton returned to the club in an advisory role and Trent Barrett was appointed coach.