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Lewis departure at Arsenal linked to Josh Kroenke's growing role

Tim Lewis will leave his position as the executive vice-chairman of Arsenal in what is a significant change at boardroom level for the club.

Lewis was a supporter of Financial Fair Play in the Premier League and someone who advocated the blocking of takeovers linked to nation states.

The 62-year-old corporate lawyer has advised Arsenal’s ownership group, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) since 2007, then became a director at Arsenal in 2020 and was promoted three years later.

Lewis forged a close relationship with the manager, Mikel Arteta, at the Emirates Stadium and was key to the new contract the Spaniard signed in 2023. He helped to lead Arsenal through the Covid-19 pandemic and had become a significant figure at Premier League level.

The timing of Lewis’s departure is seen as a surprise given his involvement in their summer recruitment, along with Andrea Berta, the sporting director, and Arteta. He was key to the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

He was also a trusted adviser of the Kroenke family and his exit is seen as a big surprise, given that he has a long working relationship with the 78-year-old Stan Kroenke. Richard Garlick will become chief executive officer and Josh Kroenke will continue to play a prominent role at the club.

Lewis leaves a significant legacy. He was appointed to the board in 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. At a time of considerable financial peril, he played a vital role in helping to refinance the club’s debt. He fought the Kroenkes’ corner on regulatory matters and opposition to state-sponsored ownership. He strengthened the connection between the football leadership and the owners, and was an advocate for and supporter of Arteta, Edu and later Berta.

His brusque manner meant he was not universally popular, inside and outside Arsenal. Articulate and widely respected, he could also be abrasive. Perhaps that has ultimately cost him.

His departure from his position is likely to be complemented by a revamp of the board and leadership structure as Arsenal transition into a new era.

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