Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham to leave his position next summer

Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham is set to leave his position at the North London club next summer, reports The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The British-Indian joined the Gunners in 2010 as head of global partnerships, becoming managing director in 2018 after Ivan Gazidis left for AC Milan.

Venkatesham became the chief executive of Arsenal in 2020 after head of football Raul Sanllehi left and has now decided to leave as he is seeking to pursue a new challenge.

The interim period will give the Gunners time to work on a succession plan, while the former chief commercial officer will continue to oversee the day-to-day running of the club and report to the board.

Venkatesham is also a non-executive director at the British Olympic Association and is highly regarded across the football industry.

The football administrator holds seats on UEFA’s club competitions committee and the European Club Association board, and Arsenal are about to lose a very key employee who has played a huge role in their recent improved fortunes.

Venkatesham also worked on the London 2012 Olympics and has proven to be a valuable member of the board over the years.

Arsenal have won four FA Cups and five FA Community Shields since he joined the club, and he will be hoping to leave them as Premier League champions.

The Gunners missed out on the title to Manchester City last term and are looking to go one better this season.

They have started 2023-24 with three wins and a draw in their opening four Premier League games, and manager Mikel Arteta will hope his side can sustain the momentum all season.