All change at Arsenal! Gunners undergo 'significant' board shake-up which sees key man LEAVE as Josh Kroenke becomes 'increasingly prominent' at Emirates Stadium

Few figures have been as influential in shaping modern Arsenal as Tim Lewis. A corporate lawyer by trade, he first entered the Gunners’ orbit during Stan Kroenke’s initial investment in 2007, when ITV sold its 9.9% stake. From there, he became a key figure as Kroenke climbed to majority shareholder in 2011 and eventually gained full control in 2018. Over time, Lewis’s remit stretched far beyond legal advice. According to The Athletic, during the COVID-19 crisis, he played a critical role in refinancing the club’s debts and ensuring financial stability. In the cutthroat world of Premier League politics, he became a leading voice in pushing back against state-backed ownership models.

Lewis was also deeply connected to the footballing side of operations. He developed a close relationship with manager Mikel Arteta, backing him through turbulent early spells and personally negotiating his new three-year contract in 2022. On the transfer front, Lewis was instrumental. His rapport with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish proved decisive in Arsenal securing the £60m signing of Eberechi Eze last summer. His fingerprints were all over the Gunners’ bold spending strategy, which helped reshape Arteta’s squad into one capable of challenging at the very top.

At 45, Josh has steadily been building his influence in the Emirates corridors of power. With Lewis now gone, his role is set to become even more dominant. The reshuffle will also see managing director Richard Garlick elevated to CEO, while the board will be bolstered with fresh blood, two more representatives from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), a long-term advisor, and a fan favourite in Ben Winston, a Hollywood film producer and lifelong Arsenal supporter.

Josh said: “We are delighted to promote Rich to CEO after an incredibly successful period as Managing Director of Arsenal. Rich has made an enormous impact on all fronts as we continue to strive to win major trophies, be financially sustainable and put our supporters at the heart of everything.

“At this moment, we would like to thank Tim for his continued dedication and commitment to Arsenal in a period of transformational change for the club.  He has played a pivotal role and ensured we are in a great position to continue to deliver our strategy in our ambition to win major trophies. In keeping with our desire to always move forward, we will strengthen our Board with some exciting additions who will bring vast experience to the club across a wide range of professions.

“The group know and love Arsenal, and will bring a different skillset and expertise while injecting fresh thinking and energy to support us all to achieve our ambitions.” 

Lewis bridged the gap between the Kroenke family and the football leadership, strengthening the bond between ownership, Arteta, Edu and later Berta. However, as Josh steps into the spotlight, the Gunners march forward into a new era, one where the family behind the scenes is more hands-on than ever before.