After executive vice-chair Tim Lewis left, Arsenal has confirmed a significant shift in its leadership structure; Richard Garlick is formally appointed the club’s new chief executive officer. Under Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE), the transfer marks still another step in the Gunners’ ongoing boardroom makeover.Â
Lewis, who had worked with the Kroenke family since 2007, was named a director in 2020; in 2023 he assumed the vice-chairmanship post. Ensuring Arsenal’s financial discipline and guiding the club’s recent summer transfer operations, which saw spending of about £250 million, clearly showed his influence.
Given his close working relationship with coach Mikel Arteta and his reputation as a strong champion of financial fairness. The News Chronicle learnt that his realistic approach and readiness to question judgments made him a renowned but occasionally unyielding boardroom voice.
Garlick, who originally joined Arsenal in 2021 as director of football operations before rising to be managing director, has now been promoted to the CEO role. As the club advances its strategic aim of returning to the top of English and European football, his promotion suggests continuity.
KSE has also enhanced its board representation by including long-time advisor Dave Steiner as non-executive directors along with Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly. Furthermore selected as a non-executive director is film producer Ben Winston, a lifetime Arsenal fan and son of renowned scientist Baron Robert Winston, further Combining professional knowledge with strong fan interest.
Co-chair of the club, Josh Kroenke, lauded Lewis for his “dedication and commitment during a time of transformational change,” pointing out his key involvement. in setting Arsenal for future success.
Although Lewis’s departure creates an obvious vacuum, experts believe the reshuffle shows KSE’s aim to more closely match its board with long-run sporting and commercial objectives. While Arsenal keeps rebuilding both on and off the field, the new appointments should provide varied knowledge while preserving stability.
