MLS Exec Named As New Arsenal Chief
Arsenal has appointed Major League Soccer deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis as the Premier League club’s new chief executive.
The 44-year-old will take over many of the duties previously handled by former vice-chairman David Dein, such as player contracts and negotiations.
Gazidis will start in the new role in January, 15 years after he left the UK.
The South Africa-born Oxford graduate said: ‘I’m delighted to bring my 14 years’ experience with MLS to a club rich in heritage and tradition. It may have been 15 years since I left, but I’m looking forward to returning.
‘I have been privileged in my 14 years with MLS to have worked with and for some of the best sports executives and owners in the world, whose vision, commitment and expertise have taken the league from strength to strength and provided a solid platform for future growth.
‘I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to bring that experience to bear at Arsenal – a club that is superbly positioned for success in the modern era.’
Dein left the club in April 2007 when his support of a takeover by American billionaire Stan Kroenke was vetoed by the club board.
Managing director Keith Edelman, another key figure in the club’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, departed in May 2008 after eight years at the club.
