Arsenal executive vice-chair Tim Lewis is leaving his position at the club in a shock boardroom shake-up, the Gunners have announced.
The 62-year-old corporate lawyer has long held a close relationship with owner Stan Kroenke and the news represents a dramatic change in the Arsenal leadership structure.
He has advised the north London club’s ownership group Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) since 2007, before becoming a director at Arsenal in September 2020 and then promoted in March 2023.
Kroenke’s son Josh, 45, has played an increasingly prominent role in recent years which will continue, with managing director Richard Garlick set to become CEO.
Two more KSE figures will join the board to bring the family closer to the club, and Ben Winston, a film producer and director, will also join.
After helping steer the club through the Covid-19 pandemic, Lewis has become an increasingly vocal presence at Premier League level and has led the lobbying among a group of clubs to try to block takeovers closely linked to nation states.
Arsenal executive vice-chair Tim Lewis is leaving the club in a shock boardroom shake-up
Richard Garlick has been promoted from managing director to CEO with immediate effect
Lewis has a strong relationship with Mikel Arteta and was a key figure in sorting the Arsenal manager’s new three-year contract in 2022.
Josh Kroenke said: ‘We are delighted to promote Rich to CEO after an incredibly successful period as Managing Director of Arsenal.
‘Rich has made an enormous impact on all fronts as we continue to strive to win major trophies, be financially sustainable and put our supporters at the heart of everything.
‘At this moment, we would like to thank Tim for his continued dedication and commitment to Arsenal in a period of transformational change for the club. He has played a pivotal role and ensured we are in a great position to continue to deliver our strategy in our ambition to win major trophies.
‘In keeping with our desire to always move forward, we will strengthen our Board with some exciting additions who will bring vast experience to the club across a wide range of professions.
‘The group know and love Arsenal, and will bring a different skillset and expertise while injecting fresh thinking and energy to support us all to achieve our ambitions.’
