Arsenal appoint Royal Ascot guru as new CEO following Vinai Venkatesham’s departure
ARSENAL has shortlisted Felicity Barnard, guru of the Ascot horse racing business, for the role of managing director.
Barnard worked for the Gunners in London and Singapore and was also at West Ham.
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As well as being deputy DEO and commercial director at Ascot, she is also a non-executive director for Great British Racing.
Barnard graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in materials science in 2004.
Arsenal’s interest in her follows Vinai Venkatesham’s confirmation that he will be leaving the club next summer after 14 years.
After joining in 2010 as Head of Global Partnerships, he worked his way up to CEO three years ago.
Venkatesham is also a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association.
He admitted it was a “difficult decision” to leave the Gunners.
But he is determined to ensure a “seamless transition.”
Arsenal director Josh Kroenke said the club’s board “fully supported Vinai’s desire to take on his next challenge.”
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But Kroenke added: “The club is well prepared for changes and successors.”
The Gunners have been on the rise under Venkatesham as CEO – supported by Mikel Arteta, who really found his feet last season after taking over as coach in 2019.