Arsenal confirm senior exit and new appointments in major boardroom shake-up | OneFootball

Richard Garlick appointed Arsenal’s new CEO after Tim Lewis exit

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Arsenal’s executive vice-chair Tim Lewis has left the club in a shock exit and major boardroom shake-up.

Lewis has been advising Arsenal’s owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), since 2007 and joined the club’s board as a director five years ago.

He was promoted to the role of executive vice-chair in March 2023 and had a key role at Arsenal.

Lewis, however, has stepped down from his position and Arsenal have announced that four new people have joined their board.

KSE’s Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly will join as non-executive directors alongside long-time KSE advisor, Dave Steiner.

Producer and director, Ben Winston, a season ticket holder at the club for over 30 years, also joins the board as a non-executive director.

Long-serving director, Lord Harris of Peckham, has kept his place on the board, which also contains owners Josh and Stan Kroenke.

“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,” said Arsenal in a statement on Friday morning.

“They will bring the KSE family closer together and offer a wide range of expertise to strengthen Arsenal.”

Surprise exit: Tim Lewis

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Lewis’ departure coincides with Arsenal’s managing director, Richard Garlick, being promoted to the role of chief executive officer.

Garlick has been with Arsenal since 2021, joining as director of football operations, before becoming managing director last year and leading the club’s executive team.

Arsenal co-chair, 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.”

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

Josh Kroenke

Lewis’ departure comes as a major surprise given his long-standing association with KSE and Arsenal’s recent success.

Along with Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, and Garlick, he also oversaw a huge transfer window for Arsenal this summer.

The club spent nearly £250million on new signings as they look to win their first Premier League title in over 20 years.

Lewis’ exit is the second high-profile departure from Arsenal in under 12 months after their forearm sporting director, Edu, left last November.

The Brazilian, who now works at Nottingham Forest, was replaced by Berta earlier this year.