Arsenal are set to make an exciting new appointment at board level after Tim Lewis leaves the club.
Lewis is set to depart after five years in North London, having overseen the Gunners’ upward trajectory under Mikel Arteta.
Appointed as a director in September 2020, he was then promoted to executive vice-chair in March 2023.
This exit has prompted the Kroenkes to promote Richard Garlick to the role of Chief Executive Officer, while an external hire has also been made to strengthen Arsenal’s hierarchy.
Arsenal hire Ben Winston to their board
As well as two KSE representatives being added to Arsenal’s board, Ben Winston has also joined the North London club, according to the Athletic.
Winston is a successful film producer and director who has won 13 Emmy Awards, while he’s also a co-founder of the Fulwell 73 production company, where presenter James Corden is also a partner.
Perhaps most importantly to Arsenal fans, the producer is a life-long fan of the North London club, as well as being a season-ticket holder at the Emirates.
Winston has been pictured with the likes of Declan Rice and Arteta in the past, so he evidently already has something of a relationship with certain personnel within Arsenal.
However, he’s not only got ties to people in N5, but he also appears to be close friends with former Manchester United winger David Beckham.
Writing on his Instagram page earlier this year, Winston sent Beckham a heartfelt message on the legendary player’s 50th birthday: “Happy 50th birthday to an absolute great. As much of a hero off the pitch as he was on it.
“And yes, sure, I’ve used this birthday occasion to post a gratuitous picture of us with Lionel Messi …. but I’ve also posted some of my favourite memories of nearly 2 decades of friendship, as well as all his best and most memorable football moments of his unreal career. So much love for this man.”
Clearly holding a close relationship with Beckham, this likely won’t influence his work at Arsenal, although it’s a fascinating link for a board member at the Emirates to hold.
Winston is expected to assume his role in North London imminently.
A boardroom shake-up could be good for Arsenal
It’s clear from how positively things have materialised for Arsenal on the pitch over the last few years that those in the hierarchy have been doing a fine job running the club.
Lewis was extremely highly rated and will be sorely missed in N5.
That said, a significant boardroom shake-up could be good for Arsenal. It’s important in any corporate environment for things not to get stale, and semi-regular changes in personnel can sometimes provide an injection of life into an organisation.
The Gunners have struggled to get over the line regarding winning major silverware in recent seasons, and these changes at board level could ultimately prove to make the difference.
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