Arsenal confirm boardroom shake-up as Tim Lewis steps down | OneFootball

Arsenal have confirmed a major reshuffle at board level with Tim Lewis stepping down as executive vice-chair after five years at the club.

The 62-year-old has been a long-time confidant of owner Stan Kroenke. He joined the Arsenal board in 2020 before being promoted in March 2023.

His departure marks the end of a period in which he became one of the most influential figures at the Emirates Stadium, bridging the gap between the Kroenke family and the football side of the operation.

Lewis played a crucial role in steering the club through the financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, refinancing debt and strengthening Arsenal’s position on regulatory matters.

He was also a key advocate for manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu, helping secure the Spaniard’s contract extension in 2022 and supporting the club’s recruitment strategy.

The timing of his departure comes as a surprise, particularly after a summer in which he was central to Arsenal’s transfer business, including the £60 million signing of Eberechi Eze.

However, it also reflects the growing influence of Josh Kroenke, who continues to take on a more prominent leadership role alongside his father, Stan.

As part of the reshuffle, Arsenal announced that Richard Garlick has been promoted from managing director to chief executive officer.

Garlick, who joined the club from the Premier League in 2021, has led the executive team for the past year and will now oversee operations at the highest level.

There will also be significant changes to the board. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment representatives Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly will join as non-executive directors, along with long-time KSE advisor Dave Steiner.

Television producer and Arsenal supporter Ben Winston has been appointed to the board, bringing his media expertise and long-standing connection to the club together.

Josh Kroenke described the appointments as part of the club’s desire to ‘always move forward’, and praised Garlick for his impact since arriving in London.

He also paid tribute to Lewis, thanking him for his ‘dedication and commitment’ during a period of ‘transformational change’.

The board changes, which remain subject to the Premier League’s Owners and Directors Test, signal a new chapter in Arsenal’s off-field leadership.

With Garlick now at the helm and the Kroenke family tightening their involvement, the club is positioning itself for long-term stability as it continues its push to compete for major honours.