In a surprising turn of events, Tim Lewis has stepped down from his role as Arsenal executive vice-chair, marking a significant reshuffle in the club’s board. Lewis, 62, has been advising Arsenal‘s ownership group, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE), since 2007. He was appointed as a director of the Gunners in 2020 and subsequently promoted in 2023.
However, it has now been decided that Lewis, who has had a long-standing association with Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, will depart from the Emirates Stadium, signalling a dramatic shift in the club’s leadership structure. According to football.london, Lewis’ exit comes as a surprise, with no clear indications that such a move was imminent. This development follows almost a year after the unexpected departure of Edu Gaspar, although the circumstances surrounding Lewis’ departure and the driving force behind the decision remain unclear.
Josh Kroenke, who has been playing a significant role at the Emirates Stadium in recent years, will continue to do so, with managing director Richard Garlick set to take over as the club’s new chief executive officer.
The board will also see further additions, with two more KSE representatives expected to join, along with a long-term advisor and Ben Winston, a film producer and Arsenal season-ticket holder.
An official statement from Arsenal read: “We are delighted to announce that our Managing Director, Richard Garlick will become our Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
“Richard joined us in 2021 as Director of Football Operations and has been at the club’s helm for the last year in his role as Managing Director, leading the club’s Executive Team.
“Along with this change comes evolution to our Board of Directors, led by Co-Chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke. After five years with Arsenal, Tim Lewis steps down from the Board and has left the club.
“Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s (KSE) Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly will join our Board as Non-Executive Directors alongside long-time KSE advisor, Dave Steiner. They will bring the KSE family closer together and offer a wide range of expertise to strengthen Arsenal.
“Producer and director, Ben Winston, a season ticket holder at the club for over 30 years, will also join the Board as a Non-Executive Director. This group will combine with our long-serving Director, Lord Harris of Peckham, to bring diverse experience and knowledge from across finance, sport, retail, property development, media and entertainment to support the club moving forward.”
Following the promotion of Garlick to CEO and the confirmation of Lewis’ departure, co-chair Josh Kroenke expressed his delight on the club’s website.
He said: “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.”
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Content Source: www.express.co.uk