Arsenal have announced an update to the structure of their board.
Stan and Josh Kroenke have been made co-chairs and Tim Lewis is now executive vice-chair. Arsenal describe the moves as a “simple evolution” of the leadership structure of the club.
Here Standard Sport takes a look at what it all means…
What changes have taken place?
The Arsenal board is made up of four people. Josh and Stan Kroenke, Tim Lewis and Lord Harris of Peckham.
Josh and Stan have taken on new roles of co-chairs, while Lewis is now executive vice-chair. Lord Harris of Peckham will remain a director.
How will the roles work?
Josh and Stan are the owners of the club and their titles underline that. They sit at the top of the tree and have the final say on all decisions.
Lewis works just beneath them and is essentially their man on the ground in England. He has become an increasingly influential figure at Arsenal in recent years and is involved in major decisions, while relaying information back to the Kroenkes in America.
Why have Arsenal made the changes?
The club want to provide clarity, both internally and externally, over the way they operate at boardroom level.
This is not a huge overhaul by Arsenal, but instead a formalisation of the roles that have already been in place for a few years.
The model has proved successful, with the Gunners sat five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Who is Tim Lewis?
Lewis is a lifelong Arsenal fan and corporate lawyer, specialising in advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, equity issues and general corporate advice.
He joined the Arsenal board in June 2020 and has played a key role since then.
Lewis has known the Kroenke family for over 10 years and enjoys a strong working relationship with them, and manager Mikel Arteta.
Does this change the day-to-day running?
No, not really. Again, this should be seen as continuity and not change.
Josh Kroenke regularly visits England to watch Arsenal and hold meetings with key staff. All major, final decisions at the club are signed off by the Kroenke family.
Lewis reports into them. Beneath him chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, will continue to head day-to-day operations alongside director of football operations Richard Garlick and sporting director Edu.
