Arsenal Football Club announced a significant board overhaul on September 19, 2025, with executive vice-chair Tim Lewis departing after five years of contributing to the club’s financial recovery and competitive resurgence in the Premier League.
Richard Garlick advances from managing director to CEO, while Josh Kroenke takes on a more active operational role, joined by filmmaker Ben Winston and two executives from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to bolster media and cross-sport strategies.
The changes occur amid Arsenal’s strong start to the 2025-26 season, with social media reactions reflecting a mix of appreciation for Lewis’s tenure and anticipation for the new leadership’s direction.
Departure of Tim Lewis
- Role and Tenure: Tim Lewis, 62, served as Arsenal’s executive vice-chair since March 2023, after joining the board as a director in September 2020. A corporate lawyer, he had advised Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) since 2007, playing a pivotal role in Stan Kroenke’s initial 9.9% stake acquisition from ITV in 2007, the majority takeover in 2011, and full ownership in 2018.
- Contributions: Lewis was instrumental in the club’s recent transformation, fostering strong relationships with Arteta (including his 2022 contract extension) and contributing to strategic decisions like summer transfers. His exit is seen as a “dramatic change” in leadership structure, though not necessarily tied to performance issues.
- Official Statement: Josh Kroenke praised Lewis for his “pivotal role” in “transformational change,” positioning Arsenal to “continue to deliver our strategy” for major trophies.
Promotion of Josh Kroenke
- Elevated Role: Josh Kroenke, 45, son of owner Stan Kroenke (78), will assume a more prominent position on the board. Already co-chair since 2023, his increased involvement signals a generational shift, with him handling more day-to-day oversight alongside Arteta and other executives.
- Background: Josh, president of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, has been more visible at Arsenal in recent years, attending matches (e.g., the 2024-25 finale) and engaging in transfer discussions. This move aligns with the family’s “long-standing commitment” to the club, as reiterated in past statements.
- Implications: Fans and analysts view this as Josh “rising” to lead, potentially bringing a more hands-on U.S. sports management style to Arsenal’s operations.
New CEO: Richard Garlick
- Appointment: Managing director Richard Garlick steps up to CEO, a role vacant since Vinai Venkatesham’s 2023 exit. Garlick, who joined in 2021 from West Ham, has overseen commercial growth, stadium enhancements, and compliance.
- Praise: Josh Kroenke highlighted Garlick’s “enormous impact” on sustainability, fan focus, and trophy pursuits, calling his promotion a recognition of “an incredibly successful period.”
New Board AppointmentsThe revamp adds four non-executive directors to broaden expertise in media, operations, and KSE alignment:
| Name | Role/Background | Key Contribution Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Kelly Blaha | KSE Executive (Operations) | Operational efficiency and cross-franchise synergies |
| Otto Maly | KSE Executive (Finance/Strategy) | Financial strategy and investment oversight |
| Dave Steiner | KSE Advisor (Business Development) | Advisory on growth and partnerships |
| Ben Winston | Film Producer/Director, Arsenal Fan | Media, entertainment, and fan engagement |
A long-term advisor is also slated to join soon. These additions aim to “strengthen the board with exciting… fresh thinking and energy,” per Josh Kroenke.
