Arsenal Appoints Richard Garlick as New CEO, Strengthens Board of Directors

Arsenal have confirmed a major leadership reshuffle, with Richard Garlick stepping up from Managing Director to become the club’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with immediate effect.

Garlick, who joined the Gunners in 2021 as Director of Football Operations, has led the club’s Executive Team over the past year. His elevation to CEO comes as part of a wider evolution of Arsenal’s governance and board structure.

Boardroom Changes

The update, published on the Arsenal official website, also outlined significant changes to the Board of Directors, co-chaired by Stan and Josh Kroenke:

• Tim Lewis steps down after five years of service, leaving the club following a period of transformational change.

• Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) will join as Non-Executive Directors, bringing the KSE family closer together.

• Dave Steiner, long-time KSE advisor, also joins the Board.

• Ben Winston, a producer and director and lifelong Arsenal supporter, joins as a Non-Executive Director.

• They join existing Director Lord Harris of Peckham, ensuring a broad range of expertise in finance, sport, retail, property development, media, and entertainment.

️ Official Statement

Co-Chair Josh Kroenke praised the promotion and the new appointments:

“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 [Lewis] for his dedication and commitment to Arsenal in a period of transformational change.

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 inject fresh thinking and energy to support us in achieving our ambitions.”

The new board appointments remain subject to completion of the Premier League’s Owners and Directors Test.

⚽ What This Means for Arsenal

• Leadership Continuity: Garlick’s promotion ensures consistency, with a proven executive steering long-term strategy.

• KSE Influence: The expanded involvement of KSE underlines the ownership group’s commitment to aligning Arsenal with their wider sports portfolio.

• Broader Expertise: From entertainment to property development, the refreshed board strengthens Arsenal’s position both on and off the pitch.

This restructuring comes as Arsenal look to sustain their upward trajectory, balancing ambitions for major trophies with financial sustainability and supporter engagement.

Source: Arsenal Official Website