Tottenham Appoint Former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham as New Chief Executive

In a twist that’s bound to stir emotions across North London, Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Vinai Venkatesham, the former Arsenal chief executive, as their new CEO.

The announcement came via the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, sending shockwaves through the football world — and particularly among the two rival fanbases.

Venkatesham’s move echoes one of the most controversial crossovers in Premier League history: Sol Campbell’s infamous switch from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001. But this time, it’s the boardroom making headlines, not the pitch.

An Oxford University graduate and qualified management accountant, Venkatesham spent 14 years at Arsenal, the last four of which he served as CEO before stepping down in the summer of 2024.

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We are delighted to announce that Vinai Venkatesham will be joining the Club’s Board as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the summer.

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 11, 2025

His tenure was marked by a transformative period for the Gunners, overseeing a surge in commercial success. Under his leadership, the club’s annual revenue jumped from £340 million to £615 million, a testament to his strategic and financial acumen.

But his contributions went far beyond the balance sheet. Venkatesham played a pivotal role in sporting decisions, commercial strategy, and the remarkable rise of Arsenal Women, helping them regularly pack out the 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium.

His background also includes a key role in organizing the London 2012 Olympics, and he currently chairs the Wembley Stadium Advisory Board.

His arrival at Tottenham marks what many are calling a strategic pivot. While chairman Daniel Levy has long held tight control over club operations, bringing in someone of Venkatesham’s caliber suggests a shift toward a more collaborative and future-focused leadership model — one that could drive growth and competitiveness on and off the pitch. Spurs prepare to face Wolves this Sunday in the Premier League.