Vinai Venkatesham has been appointed as Tottenham’s new chief executive officer after leaving their rivals Arsenal last year. The 44-year-old was at the Emirates for 14 years and was held in high regard by figures at the club
Tottenham have announced the appointment of former Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham as their new CEO after he ended his long-term spell at the Emirates last year. The 44-year-old was chief executive for the Gunners and also held managing director and chief commercial officer roles, having joined in 2010.
Venkatesham stepped down from his role at Arsenal last year following 14 years at the club in a bid to “pursue another challenge” and he has now decided to cross enemy territory to work with his old club’s bitter rivals.
The club revealed Venkatesham would officially take up his new job in the summer and has a big task to overhaul a club that has been struggling on the pitch. The team are currently 14th in the Premier League after 16 defeats and haven’t won a trophy since 2008.
In a statement, chairman Daniel Levy said he knew Venkatesham and felt he would help the club “build for success” following a number of changes to their top hierarchy in recent years.
He said: “The Club has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it crucial to expand our executive management. I have known Vinai for many years, having worked together in the Premier League and the ECA. I am personally delighted that he has agreed to join our Board as we build for success.”
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Venkatesham said he had chosen to join Tottenham after taking a year out to “recharge and evaluate his options” and feels he has taken on “an exceptional opportunity”.
“I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer,” he said. “After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel, the Board and all of the staff, to take the Club forward.”
When announcing his exit last year, Venkatesham said: “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.”
It is believed Venkatesham for a number of key appointments at Arsenal – including bringing in Mikel Arteta as manager and his work at the Emirates is held in high regard by figures at the club.
According to the Athletic, his arrival could signal a reshuffle at the club, with the hope that he will give Spurs some stability and direction amid fan unrest and protests.
Venkatesham worked in roles at the London 2012 and Paralympic Games before linking up with Arsenal and also sits on the board at the European Club Association. In last year’s New Years Honours, he was awarded an OBE for his services to sport.
Tottenham’s current leadership structure sees Levy in charge, with Australian Scott Munn acting as Chief Football Officer and Johan Lange working as technical director.
There have been a number of changes in the top leadership, with the running of the club being disrupted after director of football Fabio Paratici left in 2023 following a 30-month ban from football.
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