English soccer giants Arsenal have announced that chief executive Vinai Venkatesham will step down after nearly four years in the role.
He will officially leave at the end of the 2023-24 season, bringing an end to his 14-year stint at the club.
Venkatesham has held several roles at Arsenal, working his way up the ranks since joining the commercial department in 2010 as head of global partnerships.
In 2013, he was promoted to a newly created role of director of marketing and sales, before becoming chief commercial officer in 2014.
Venkatesham was named managing director in 2018 and took on the role as chief executive in 2020 after the long-serving Ivan Gazidis departed to join Italian giants AC Milan.
He has played a key role in turning Arsenal’s fortunes around in recent years, with the North London side returning to Europe’s elite UEFA Champions League club competition this season after a long absence.
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By GlobalDataThe experienced commercial executive also holds a position as an executive board member of the European Club Association continental representative body, and the UEFA club competitions committee.
Venkatesham said: “This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge. Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”
Arsenal co-chair 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.
“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.”
