Richard Garlick appointed Managing Director

We’re pleased to announce our Director of Football Operations, Richard Garlick, will take the role of Arsenal’s Managing Director in summer 2024.

Richard will step into the role when Chief Executive Officer, Vinai Venkatesham, leaves Arsenal following the announcement of his decision to step down last year.

A respected leader and qualified lawyer, Richard held a number of high-profile roles in the industry before joining Arsenal in 2021 as Director of Football Operations, where he has executive responsibility for all football operations and administration across the club, including women's football and player care.

Richard joined us from the Premier League, where he was Director of Football, after occupying a number of roles at West Bromwich Albion, where he was also appointed to the Board of Directors in December 2010.

Arsenal Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, said: “Richard is recognised and respected across the industry for his vast experience, and we were delighted when he joined us back in 2021 to take our football strategy to the next level. 

“He has made an enormous impact since joining us, working closely with our Sporting Director, Edu, on the development and implementation of the club’s football strategy.  He has developed strong relationships right across the club and wider industry.

“Rich has been key to the progress we’ve made as a club – including recent transfers – and I’m thrilled he will now lead our Executive Team and continue to drive the club forward with passion.”

Richard said: “Since joining Arsenal in 2021, I’ve had the privilege to be involved with almost every aspect of this incredible club.  I’m excited to take us forward in my new role as we move into the next phase of delivering the vision of our owners, Stan and Josh. 

“I’d like to thank the Board for the support they’ve given me, and Edu for his support as I pursued this opportunity.  I’d also like to thank Vinai for his leadership and contribution to the club over the last 14 years.

“I look forward to continuing to work with them all as I transition into this new role and drive the club forward.” 

About Richard Garlick

 Richard (Rich) Garlick, 47, has been Arsenal’s Director of Football Operations since 2021. In this role, he has executive responsibility for all football operations and administration across the club, including women's football and player care. Rich works alongside our Sporting Director, Edu, and with our men’s First Team Manager, Academy Manager and women’s team in player recruitment, contract negotiations, football administration and regulatory matters.

Rich joined Arsenal from the Premier League, where he was Director of Football (2018–2021), having executive responsibility for a wide variety of stakeholder relationships and teams including Player Transfers and Registrations and Matchday Operations, as well as the Premier League Coaching Team and overseeing the implementation of the Elite Player Performance Plan (“EPPP”) with the aim of developing more and better home-grown players. 

Rich was responsible for the Premier League Medical Strategy and the Premier League’s Chief Medical Adviser. He also held the critical role of Premier League COVID-19 Officer, with responsibility for the creation and delivery of the return to training and playing protocols (Project Restart), and return of supporter protocols. 

Rich was also the Premier League executive representative on the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee, Black Participants Advisory Group, Legal Advisory Group and Medical Working Groups.  

Before his time at the Premier League, Rich held several roles at West Bromwich Albion over an eight-year period (2010-2018), including Director of Football Administration, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in December 2010.

Rich is an FA Councillor, and Former Chair of the FA Judicial Monitoring Group, FA Cup Committee member and Football Regulatory Authority member. Rich is one of three members of Arsenal’s executive team who represent the club at the ECA to develop and strengthen our place in international football affairs and decision making. Rich shares his technical expertise on the ECA Men’s Football Working Group.  

Originally from Sheffield, Richard started his career as a sports lawyer. He was also an Academy player for Rotherham United Football Club from 1991 to 1995.