Tottenham sign former Arsenal man two years after he stated he wanted to ‘pursue another challenge’

Tottenham Hotspur have pulled off one of the more surprising moves of the year by appointing former Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham to their board as CEO.

The 44-year-old, who spent more than a decade at Spurs’ bitter north London rivals, will officially take up the post this summer in what marks a significant shake-up behind the scenes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Venkatesham left the Emirates at the end of last season, having first announced his departure in September 2023, saying he felt it was ‘the right time to pursue another challenge.’ Few expected that challenge to come at the club he once competed against in one of the fiercest derbies in world football.

He now joins Spurs at a time of major transition, with chairman Daniel Levy welcoming his appointment as part of a broader push to strengthen the club’s executive leadership.

‘I have known Vinai for many years,’ said Levy in a club statement. ‘I am personally delighted that he has agreed to join our Board as we build for success.’

Venkatesham added: ‘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.’

Venkatesham was involved in hiring both Mikel Arteta (centre) and former director Edu (left)

But Venkatesham will join Daniel Levy (pictured) on Tottenham Hotspur’s board later this year

A respected figure in sporting and commercial circles, Venkatesham’s CV includes a role on the organising committee for London 2012, as well as non-executive director positions at the British Olympic Association and Wembley Stadium’s advisory board. He was awarded an OBE for services to sport in the 2024 New Year Honours List.

But it was at Arsenal where he made his name in football, climbing through the ranks from head of global partnerships to CEO. During his time at the Emirates, he oversaw the appointment of Mikel Arteta, played a major role in stabilising the club through the COVID pandemic, and helped bring the Gunners back to the Champions League after years in the wilderness.

Tottenham will hope he can bring similar progress to N17.

Venkatesham joins a complex hierarchy, with Scott Munn (chief football officer) and Johan Lange (technical director) already in place, while former director of football Fabio Paratici continues to act as an informal advisor despite his worldwide ban from football-related activity.

His arrival could prompt a reshuffle, with Venkatesham expected to take charge of day-to-day operations across both the football and commercial sides of the club. His strong relationships with bodies such as the Premier League and European Club Association (ECA) will also be seen as a valuable asset.

Venkatesham joins a list of just a handful of senior figures in football who have made high-level moves between rival clubs – including Peter Kenyon (Manchester United to Chelsea) and Omar Berrada (Manchester City to Manchester United).