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Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham is walking away from his role next summer after 14 years at the club.
Venkatesham took on the role of head of global partnerships in 2010 before scaling the Gunners hierarchy to becoming one of the most crucial pieces in the first team puzzle.
Arsenal confirmed he will now leave in the summer of 2024 in search of a ‘new challenge’, with Arsenal already working to find his successor.
‘This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge,’ Venkatesham said.
‘Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.’
Vinai Venkatesham will depart from his role as Arsenal’s CEO at the end of the current season
Co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: ‘The Board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge.
‘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.
‘Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always welcome back at Emirates Stadium.’
He added: ‘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.’
Venkatesham (right) has been a key piece in the hierarchy to help Mikel Arteta deliver success
He oversaw a summer spend of more than £200m on the likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice
Venkatesham became Arsenal’s chief executive in 2020 and has played a key role in helping Mikel Arteta build a squad that competed for the Premier League title last season.
The Oxford University graduate has worked in tandem with Edu just this past summer with a spend of more than £200million on new players.
Venkatesham is busy away from Arsenal, already, in his roles on the European Clubs’ Association (ECA) Board and on the Board of the UCC SA – the joint venture between UEFA and the ECA.
In addition he is a Non-Executive Director of the British Olympic Association. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three young children.
