Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham is leaving next summer after 14 years at the Emirates Stadium… with departing executive revealing ‘it is time to pursue another challenge’
- Vinai Venkatesham is reportedly looking for a ‘new challenge’ away from Arsenal
- His reported departure in 2024 gives Arsenal ample time to find his successor
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast It all starts
Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham will leave his position next summer after fourteen years at the club.
Venkatesham took on the role of head of global partnerships in 2010 before scaling the Gunners hierarchy into one of the most crucial pieces in the first-team jigsaw.
Arsenal confirmed he will now leave in the summer of 2024 in search of a ‘new challenge’, with Arsenal already busy finding his successor.
“This has been a difficult decision, but it is time for a new challenge,” said Venkatesham.
“This is not the time to say goodbye as I remain focused until my last day and support a seamless transition.”
Vinai Venkatesham will step down from his role as Arsenal CEO at the end of the current season
Co-Chair Josh Kroenke added, “The Board fully supports Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge.
“While it is business as usual and everyone is focused on the season ahead, we would 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 at the 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 the leadership change as we continue to move the club forward.”
Venkatesham (right) has been a key figure in the hierarchy and helped Mikel Arteta achieve success
He oversaw a summer spend of more than £200 million on artists including Kai Havertz and Declan Rice
Venkatesham became CEO of Arsenal in 2020 and has played a key role in helping Mikel Arteta build a squad that challenged for the Premier League title last season.
The Oxford University graduate teamed up with Edu last summer, spending more than £200 million on new players.
Venkatesham is already busy away from Arsenal in his roles on the board of the European Clubs’ Association (ECA) and on the board of UCC SA – the joint venture between UEFA and ECA.
He is also Non-Executive Director of the British Olympic Association. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three young children.
