Arsenal have announced that Tim Lewis is is set to leave his role as executive vice-chair in a shock boardroom revamp at the club.
Lewis has advised Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) – Arsenal’s ownership group – for the last 18 years, becoming a director in 2020 before he was promoted to his most recent position two-and-a-half years ago.
He had a strong relationship with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and it’s thought Lewis played a key role in the Gunners signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window.
The Athletic reports that the timing of Lewis’ departure is a ‘huge surprise’ despite the fact he was ‘not universally popular’ behind the scenes.
The outlet adds that Arsenal are entering a ‘new era’ with co-chair Josh Kroenke to continue his increasingly prominent role and managing director Richard Garlick to become the club’s new CEO.
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The significant shake-up of Arsenal’s leadership structure also includes two new KSE representatives joining the club’s board – Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly – along with Dave Steiner and Ben Winston.
Josh Kroenke, the son of Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, told the club’s website: ‘We are delighted to promote Rich (Richard Garlick) to CEO after an incredibly successful period as Managing Director of Arsenal.
‘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.’
Kroenke: We’re striving to win major trophies
Speaking in May, Kroenke reflected on the 2024-25 campaign as Arsenal finished as Premier League runners-up for the third season in a row with the north London side having not landed the top-flight title since 2004.
‘As a club, we’re striving to win major trophies and, on the men’s front, we know we have fallen short of what we all wanted this season,’ he said.
‘Despite not reaching the Champions League final in Munich, our run to the semi-final of the competition still created some of our best nights this season.
‘Our match here against Real Madrid was one of the best games and the most electric atmospheres we’ve experienced at Emirates Stadium. The game we played at the Bernabeu will no doubt live forever with those lucky enough to have been there.
‘Mikel and his coaching staff, as well as the players, faced some challenges throughout the season and I want to give credit to the way they managed in these circumstances. It’s in these moments you learn the most.
‘Ultimately, we all want the same thing. We’re as hungry for success as you are and that goes for everyone who works for the club.’
