Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham has revealed that he will leave his role with the Gunners next summer in order to “pursue another challenge”.
Venkatesham has been with Arsenal since 2010, initially joining the commercial department, while he has been the chief executive officer of the London giants since September 2020.
The CEO has said that it “was a tough decision” but feels he is ready to seek pastures new.
“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,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the club’s 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. Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always welcome back at Emirates Stadium.
“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 has been part of the leadership team alongside sporting director Edu and head coach Mikel Arteta, with all three key to the club’s change of fortunes.
The Gunners will be bidding to launch another challenge for the Premier League title this season, in addition to making an impression in the Champions League on their return to the competition.
Arsenal won the Community Shield at the beginning of August by beating Manchester City on penalties, before starting their Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Arteta’s side then made it three wins in a row in all competitions with a one-goal success at Crystal Palace, but they were held to a 2-2 draw by Fulham at the end of August.
The Gunners were also heading for another draw with Manchester United before the international break, but Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus both netted in stoppage time to secure the victory for the hosts.
Arsenal will be aiming to move onto 13 points in the Premier League table when they head to Everton on Sunday afternoon, before beginning their Champions League group-stage campaign at home to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven next week.
