20 Sep 2018
Sanllehi and Venkatesham to lead Arsenal after Gazidis exits to AC Milan
BY Tom Walker
Arsenal FC has promoted two of its directors to lead the club, following the surprise departure of chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
Gazidis stepped down last week and announced that he will take over the role of CEO at Italian giants AC Milan on 31 October.
The role of CEO at Arsenal will now be shared between Raul Sanllehi and Vinai Venkatesham.
Sanllehi, formerly the club's head of football relations, has been appointed as head of football, while Venkatesham, currently chief commercial officer, will become managing director.
The role of CEO will be split so Sanllehi will lead all football activities while Venkatesham will oversee all business operations.
Sanllehi only joined Arsenal in February after 16 years at Spanish club Barcelona, where he was director of football.
Venkatesham has been at the club since 2010 and previously worked as part of the team preparing the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“Although I joined Arsenal just months ago, I've felt embraced by this great club and part of its family from the first day," Sanllehi said.
"I will do everything possible to maintain our strong values which will be as fundamental to our future as they have been in our past.
"Vinai and I will need everyone's help, to do everything right and secure the success everyone connected to Arsenal wants.
"I sincerely thank Arsenal’s board for their trust in us and thank Ivan for bringing me to this great club, and for consistently supporting me every day, in every way. It's with overwhelming pride and utmost excitement that I face this new opportunity.”
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