Arsenal
Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has confirmed he will leave the English soccer giants at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Having first joined the club’s commercial department in 2010 as head of global partnerships, Venkatesham rose up the ranks at the Premier League outfit, serving as both chief commercial officer and managing director. He was then elevated to his current role in 2020, overseeing the club’s recent rise up the table.
As well as being Arsenal’s chief executive, Venkatesham currently sits on Uefa’s club competitions committee and the European Club Association (ECA) board.
“This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge,” said Venkatesham. “Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”
Arsenal are expected to now begin their search for his replacement, with co-chair Josh Kroenke stating the club is well prepared for “change and succession”.
“The board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge,” Kroenke added.
“Whilst it is business as usual with everyone focused on the season ahead, we’d like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution and long service. Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always welcome back at Emirates Stadium.”
Staying in soccer, the New York Red Bulls have expanded their club’s executive leadership team. Joe Stetson has been named as chief commercial officer, while Elisa Padilla has been appointed as chief marketing officer. Additionally, Christina Giunta-Quarino has been made the club’s chief of staff and Claire Noonan has become head of human resources.
Elsewhere, the Australian Football League (AFL) has updated its executive leadership team. Matthew Chun has been appointed to the role of executive general manager, finance, clubs and infrastructure, while Tristan Salter has been named as its general manager of operations and Tasmania.
Kylie Rogers, the AFL’s executive general manager, customer and commercial, and David Grossman, general manager, clubs and scheduling, will both see their portfolios expanded, while Stephen Meade, the league’s general counsel, is to be elevated to the AFL executive leadership team.
Appointments
Dana White
Chief executive, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Note: White was previously president of the UFC before the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion merged with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to form TKO Group Holdings.
Andrew Low Ah Kee
Chief executive of Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics
Previously: President, Opendoor
Claire Sumner
Chief policy and corporate affairs officer, Premier League
Previously: Director, policy, BBC
Greg Bader
Executive vice president and chief operating officer, Baltimore Orioles
Previously: Senior vice president, administration and experience, Baltimore Orioles
Jennifer Bullano Ridgley
Chief communications officer, Pittsburgh Penguins
Previously: Senior vice president of communications, Pittsburgh Penguins
Dustin Godsey
Chief sales and marketing officer, Milwaukee Bucks
Previously: Chief marketing officer, Milwaukee Bucks
Brian Higgins
Senior vice president of business performance, NCAA
Previously: Associate partner, McKinsey & Company
Kevin Lennon
Senior vice president for policy and governance, NCAA
Previously: Vice president for Division I, NCAA
Kerry Watson
Executive vice president, public affairs, Baltimore Orioles
Previously: Regional vice president, government affairs, MGM Resorts International
Lisa Tolson
Senior vice president and chief people officer, Baltimore Orioles
Previously: Senior vice president of human resources, Baltimore Orioles
Ricardo Campos
Executive vice president, club operations, San Diego MLS
Previously: President, San Diego Loyal Soccer Club
Kim Miller
Vice president, community affairs, Miami Dolphins
Previously: Vice president, human resources, Miami Dolphins
Omar Mohammed Shaikh
Partnerships development director, Arsenal
Previously: Vice president of commercial development, Liverpool
Tom Carter
Head of partnership development, Tottenham Hotspur
Previously: Head of partnerships, Kin Partners
Lindsay Amstutz
President of media and partnerships, Playfly Sports
Previously: Head of integrated marketing and sales, OneTeam Partners
Suzie Shaw
Board director, Sydney FC
Departures
Brandon Gayle
Chief operating officer, San Antonio Spurs
Luis Rodríguez
Head of global partnership sales, Fifa
Note: Rodríguez has become the president of FC Juárez.
Trevor Nisbett
Chief executive, West Coast Eagles
Lee Trink
Chief executive, Faze Clan
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