Former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham has landed a new role at Wembley Stadium.
The Football Association (FA) announced on Friday that Venkatesham is to serve as the independent chair of a new advisory board appointed to oversee the future development of the home of English football.
The FA said the new group will report to the FA Board and is made up of both independent experts and senior leadership from within the governing body, who will focus on commercial opportunities regarding the stadium, digital enhancement and safety and security.
As chair, Venkatesham is one of four independent members of the new advisory board, with Peter Hutton focused on digital, Chuck Steedman on commercial and Andrew Amery on safety and security.
The FA described the group’s remit as “ensuring Wembley Stadium remains a world-class venue that delivers the best experiences in music, sport and entertainment”.
Venkatesham previously spent 14 years at Arsenal, initially joining as head of global partnerships in 2010. He also served as director of global partnerships and business strategy, sales and marketing director, chief commercial director and managing director, before becoming CEO of the Gunners in 2020.
Venkatesham left the Emirates Stadium in the summer, with his exit first announced in September 2023 as he sought to pursue new challenges.
Venkatesham received an OBE for services to sport in the 2024 New Year Honours List, having also served as an independent non-executive director of the British Olympic Association (BOA) since 2017 and also worked on the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics as well as the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.
Among his other roles has been on the board and executive committee of the European Club Association (ECA).
Richard Garlick took over as Arsenal’s new managing director following the departure of Venkatesham, having previously served as director of football operations.
Arsenal’s senior management team - which includes Garlick and the likes of executive vice-chair Tim Lewis - are currently on the hunt for a new sporting director, with Edu’s shock exit confirmed last month as, following a period of gardening leave, he looks to finalise a deal to oversee the growing portfolio of clubs under Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Edu’s assistant Jason Ayto is replacing his former boss on an interim basis while the search for the Brazilian’s successor continues.
