Stan Kroenke accelerates Arsenal shake-up as ‘shock’ exit confirmed
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has accelerated a shake-up behind the scenes after a “shock” exit has been confirmed at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to challenge for the Premier League title again this season after finishing second in each of the past two campaigns.
Andrea Berta was appointed as Arsenal’s new sporting director earlier this year following the departure of Edu Gaspar last November.
Arsenal spent more than £250million in the recent summer transfer window, with eight new signings arriving through the door in north London.
Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke signed on permanent deals, while Piero Hincapie joined on loan.
Stan Kroenke promotes senior Arsenal man
It has now emerged Kroenke has made changes behind the scenes at the Emirates.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein first reported on Friday (19 September) Tim Lewis has left Arsenal in a “shock” revamp of the club’s boardroom.
Lewis, whose latest role at the Emirates was as executive vice-chair, has advised Kroenke on his investments in the Gunners since 2007.
The news of his departure has now been officially confirmed by Arsenal, who have revealed Richard Garlick has been promoted from managing director to chief executive with immediate effect.
Following the boardroom reshuffle, co-chair Josh Kroenke said: “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.
“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.”
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s (KSE) Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly will also join the club’s board as non-executive directors alongside Dave Steiner, a long-term advisor to KSE.
Meanwhile, producer and director Ben Winston will also be taking up a position as a non-executive director at the Emirates.
Kroenke gets extra £1.8bn after new reveal
The latest moves represent a huge change behind the scenes at the Emirates as Arsenal’s owners look to lay the foundations for success on the pitch.
Kroenke hasn’t always been a popular figure among Arsenal fans, with many questioning his intentions since investing in the club in 2007.
The American billionaire increased his shareholding over several years before buying the Gunners outright in 2018.
The 78-year-old also owns the LA Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids and Colorado Mammoth alongside commercial property across North America and Europe.
Football Insider revealed on 4 September Kroenke has seen his fortune increase by more than £1.8billion over the past year to £17.28bn, making him the 102nd richest person in the world.
For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.