Executive vice-chair Tim Lewis is set to leave Arsenal, with Managing Director Richard Garlick to be promoted to Chief Executive Officer at the Emirates.
Lewis has overseen the Gunners’ rise from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers in recent seasons, having first become a director of the North London club in September 2020.
The corporate lawyer impressed so much that he was promoted in March 2023 and has been cited as being a crucial figure in N5.
That said, departures such as this create pathways for new people to flourish in new roles, and Arsenal may already have a talented individual in their ranks ready to make a step up.
James King could be given new role at Arsenal after Tim Lewis exit
Garlick will immediately fulfil the role of CEO at Arsenal, while the Gunners are also set to appoint Ben Winston, a film producer and director, to their board.
However, the Athletic reports that there will be a major shake-up in the boardroom at the Emirates, and this could mean a handful of other people change roles.
Director of football operations James King was understood to be influential over the summer, with David Ornstein describing him as a ‘really highly rated’ staff member.
King was central to the Gunners’ transfer activity and the renewal of key contracts such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Demonstrating his expertise and know-how with some of this work, it wouldn’t be outlandish for the former legal counsel to be handed more power at Arsenal after Lewis’ exit.
King was in the running to succeed Edu Gaspar before Andrea Berta was appointed as sporting director, but the Gunners ultimately went for the more experienced option.
However, it may now be his time to make the step up to a more influential role.
Tim Lewis will be a major loss for Arsenal
Many fans may not be aware of the behind-the-scenes figures at Arsenal, but by all accounts, Lewis has been instrumental in recent years.
The vice-chair formed a close relationship with Mikel Arteta and was key in negotiating a new contract with the Spaniard back in 2022.
The 62-year-old had also become a ‘vocal presence’ at Premier League level, advocating against takeovers closely linked to nation states.
Lewis also leveraged his relationship with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish to secure the signing of Eberechi Eze over the summer.
Evidently important in the Arsenal hierarchy, Lewis will be sorely missed.
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