Arsenal has announced the surprise departure of vice-chair Tim Lewis as part of a broad overhaul of the club’s board. The 62-year-old has advised Arsenal’s owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), since 2007 and served as vice-chair for the past two and a half years. He joined the board in 2020. He played a key role alongside manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta during the club’s £250 million summer spending spree (€287.5 million) and was considered a central figure within the north London side.

Managing director Richard Garlick will take on the post of chief executive. KSE representatives Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly, along with film producer and director Ben Winston (son of professor Robert Winston), will join the board as non-executive directors.

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said: “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. 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 bring a different skillset and expertise while injecting fresh thinking and energy to support us all to achieve our ambitions. 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.”