Arsenal shake-up as Garlick promoted to CEO following Tim Lewis departure

Arsenal announced on Thursday that executive vice-chair Tim Lewis is leaving the club in a shock boardroom shake-up. The 62-year-old corporate lawyer has advised owner Stan Kroenke and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) since 2007, before becoming a director at Arsenal in September 2020 and then promoted to executive vice-chair in March 2023.

Richard Garlick, the club's managing director, has been promoted to chief executive with immediate effect. Garlick's promotion signals a broadening of the leadership remit as Arsenal pursues major trophies while maintaining financial sustainability.

'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,' Josh Kroenke said. '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.'

Two more Kroenke Sports and Entertainment figures will join Arsenal's board, the club said, as the family looks to bring broader governance expertise to the club. Ben Winston, a film producer and director, will also join the board.

Lewis has long advised the Kroenkes and had a high-profile presence at Premier League level, including leading lobbying among a group of clubs to block takeovers closely linked to nation states. He helped steer the club through the Covid-19 pandemic and was a key figure in negotiations around the manager's 2022 contract extension with Mikel Arteta.

The changes come as Arsenal seeks to balance on-field ambition with governance and financial discipline under its ownership, aiming to keep supporters at the heart of the club's strategy while pursuing trophies.

With Garlick stepping into the CEO role, Arsenal's leadership structure will see a more prominent role for Josh Kroenke in day-to-day affairs, while the board expands to include two more KSE representatives and Winston. The club underscored its commitment to evolving the governance framework to support continued growth and competitive success.