- Thursday, February 27, 2025
A British Indian football administrator, Venkatesham joined the prestigious club in 2010 and became its managing director in 2018, two years before becoming the CEO.
By: Shubham Ghosh
VINAI Venkatesham, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Arsenal, is set to step down next year, the Premier League outfit announced last week.
Venkatesham, a British Indian football administrator, joined the prestigious club in 2010 and became its managing director in 2018, replacing Ivan Gazidis who departed for AC Milan. He was named the CEO two years later.
“This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge. Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition,” Venkatesham said in a statement.
He will bid adieu to the club at a time when it is witnessing a resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta, finishing second behind Manchester City in the last season of the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.
Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said the board fully supported Venkatesham’s decision.
“Whilst it is business as usual with everyone focused on the season ahead, we’d like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution and long service…,” he was quoted as saying by a Reuters report.
“Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for. The board remains committed to our strategy and will address leadership change as we continue to drive the club forward.”
Arsenal on Sunday (17) beat Everton by a solitary goal to go to the fourth place in the points table and are now two points behind leaders Manchester City.
