Arsenal

Arsenal chief Richard Garlick promoted to Managing Director

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 25 January 2024

Arsenal announce that Director of Football Operations Richard Garlick will become the club's new Managing Director when CEO Vinai Venkatesham leaves the club this summer.

Arsenal have announced that Director of Football Operations Richard Garlick will become the club's new Managing Director when CEO Vinai Venkatesham leaves the club this summer.

Back in September, the Gunners revealed that the long-serving managing director Venkatesham - who has been with the club since 2010 and was promoted to CEO in 2020 - would depart at the end of the current campaign.

In Venkatesham's place, current Director of Football Operations Garlick will take the reins as Managing Director, three years after arriving at the Emirates Stadium.

Garlick served as West Bromwich Albion's Sporting Director for five years between 2013 and 2018, after which he joined the Premier League as their Director of Football from 2018 to 2021.

Since joining the Gunners, Garlick has been an integral figure in the club's transformation under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu, working in tandem with the pair on transfers, contract negotiations and general administration.

Garlick was heavily involved in the British-record transfer of Declan Rice for £105m in the summer, and he also possesses executive responsibility for women's football and player care in North London.

"Richard is recognised and respected across the industry for his vast experience, and we were delighted when he joined us back in 2021 to take our football strategy to the next level," Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke told the club's website.

We're pleased to announce our Director of Football Operations, Richard Garlick, will take the role of Arsenal's Managing Director in summer 2024.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 25, 2024

"He has made an enormous impact since joining us, working closely with our Sporting Director, Edu, on the development and implementation of the club's football strategy. He has developed strong relationships right across the club and wider industry.

"Rich has been key to the progress we've made as a club – including recent transfers – and I'm thrilled he will now lead our Executive Team and continue to drive the club forward with passion."

Garlick - who is also a qualified lawyer - added: "Since joining Arsenal in 2021, I've had the privilege to be involved with almost every aspect of this incredible club.

"I'm excited to take us forward in my new role as we move into the next phase of delivering the vision of our owners, Stan and Josh. I'd like to thank the Board for the support they've given me, and Edu for his support as I pursued this opportunity.

"I'd also like to thank Vinai for his leadership and contribution to the club over the last 14 years. I look forward to continuing to work with them all as I transition into this new role and drive the club forward."

Prior to his legal and administrative career, Garlick was a youth player for Rotherham United, spending four years in the Millers' academy between 1991 and 1995.