Newcastle United owners considering bringing Vinai Venkatesham to St James’ Park | OneFootball

The Newcastle United owners are now looking at the possibility of appointing Vinai Venkatesham.

The Mail report saying that he is is under consideration for the CEO role.

September saw the shock announcement (see below) that Darren Eales had been diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.

That announcement saying he was stepping down as NUFC CEO but would stay on until a replacement was appointed.

Vinai Venkatesham spent 14 years in total at Arsenal but stepped down this past summer, having said (see below) that he was looking for a new challenge.

The final three years of his time at Arsenal was spent as CEO, coinciding with the rise in fortunes with Mikel Arteta as manager.

If Newcastle United do appoint Vinai Venkatesham, he certainly looks capable of helping the club to progress.

United’s Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Silverstone, will know Vinai Venkatesham well, having worked with him at Arsenal.

Taking into consideration the issues in recent times surrounding Premier League clubs bringing in people who were at the time working at another club, the compensation to pay and/or time to wait before they could start work, the fact that Vinai Venkatesham is now a free agent would be a very positive factor.

Vinai Venkatesham, the club’s CEO has confirmed he will leave next summer after 14 years with the club.

Vinai said: “This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge. Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”

Our Co-Chair Josh Kroenke commented: “The Board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge. 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.

“Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for. The Board remains committed to our strategy and will address leadership change as we continue to drive the club forward.”

Newcastle United official announcement on CEO Darren Eales – 27 September 2024:

‘Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales is to step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.

Darren will continue to lead Newcastle United’s executive team until a successor is appointed.

Darren arrived at St. James’ Park in August 2022 – ten months after the club’s change in ownership – and has played a critical role in a significant period of progression on and off the pitch.

During his tenure, as well as reaching a first domestic cup final in 24 years in February 2023, the Magpies returned to the UEFA Champions League last season after a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

Darren Eales said: “Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club’s exciting journey.

“However, it has become apparent to me that now is the right time to make this decision so that I can prioritise my health and my family.

“In the short term, it will be business as usual in terms of running the club’s day-to-day operations, and I will give my full support to a transitionary period that will enable the board to carefully assess and appoint my successor.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the club’s supporters, ownership, players and staff. I’m proud of what we have collectively achieved and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for everyone as the club builds towards a future of sustained success.”

Newcastle United Chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, said: “All of us who are connected with Newcastle United are very saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with Darren and his family and we send him every good wish for a full recovery.

“On a personal level, Darren has been a great partner to me and to our fans, players, ownership and staff.

“On behalf of the club and its owners, I want to thank Darren for his service and dedication to Newcastle United. He has made a significant contribution to the club’s progress during his time as CEO, helping to build a strong foundation for Newcastle United’s success. We fully understand the difficult decision he has made.

“We will work closely with Darren to hand over the CEO role at the appropriate moment following a carefully considered search process, and he will continue to have the full support of the board and the Newcastle United family now and in the future.”