OFFICIAL: Arsenal confirm major departure as Arteta rocked

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 19 Sept 2025 09:27 BST
• 5 min read

News

Arsenal executive vice-chairman Tim Lewis has officially left his position at the club amid a major reshuffle of the Gunners’ boardroom staff.

Lewis, 62, has been an advisor for the north London club since 2007 and he was promoted into a director role in 2020, before becoming Arsenal’s vice-chairman in March 2023.

However, he has left his current post at the Emirates Stadium, with the club overseeing several huge changes in regards to their leadership structure.

The news was first revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who has revealed that Lewis’ departure represents a “dramatic change” in the Arsenal boardroom.

Josh Kroenke will continue to play a prominent role for the club, while managing director Richard Garlick has been promoted to the Gunners’ new CEO.

This has now been officially confirmed by Arsenal, who posted on their website: "We are delighted to announce that our Managing Director, Richard Garlick will become our Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

"Richard joined us in 2021 as Director of Football Operations and has been at the club’s helm for the last year in his role as Managing Director, leading the club’s Executive Team.

"Along with this change comes evolution to our Board of Directors, led by Co-Chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke. After five years with Arsenal, Tim Lewis steps down from the Board and has left the club. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s (KSE) Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly will join our Board as Non-Executive Directors alongside long-time KSE advisor, Dave Steiner. They will bring the KSE family closer together and offer a wide range of expertise to strengthen Arsenal.

"Producer and director, Ben Winston, a season ticket holder at the club for over 30 years, will also join the Board as a Non-Executive Director. This group will combine with our long-serving Director, Lord Harris of Peckham, to bring diverse experience and knowledge from across finance, sport, retail, property development, media and entertainment to support the club moving forward."

The aforementioned Lewis reportedly played a key role in finalising Mikel Arteta’s contract extension back in 2022 and his close relationship with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish helped Arsenal complete the signing of Eberechi Eze this summer, as per Ornstein.

As a result, his departure has come as a major surprise, especially considering he has played an instrumental role during Stan Kroenke’s era as Arsenal owner.

Tim Lewis leaves Arsenal

Although Lewis’ exit is a shock, it is unlikely to impact things on the pitch for Arsenal. Sporting director Andrea Berta will continue to lead recruitment following a successful summer transfer window, while Arteta will oversee on-field matters.

The Gunners have enjoyed a successful start to the 2025-26 season, racking up four wins and only one defeat in five matches across all competitions, and they face Manchester City in a huge Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

Upon confirmation of Garlick's promotion to CEO, co-chairman 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.

“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."

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