NUFC could now appoint former Arsenal chief who recently left the Gunners for key role – report | OneFootball

Former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham is in the running to become the new Newcastle United CEO, according to the Daily Mail.

The 43-year-old left the Gunners this summer having been with them since 2010, citing his desire to pursue a new challenge, and he could now return to the Premier League in the coming weeks.

Newcastle announced in September that chief executive Darren Eales would be stepping down from his position after he was diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.

Venkatesham could succeed him, with the Magpies conducting a thorough recruitment process using external specialists, with their owners set to make an eventual appointment.

The former Arsenal chief joined the Gunners as their head of global partnerships, becoming managing director in 2018 after Ivan Gazidis left for AC Milan and turning their CEO in 2020.

The British-Indian football administrator also worked as their former chief commercial officer and played a key role in helping to develop their women’s team.

He is a non-executive director at the British Olympic Association and is highly regarded across the football industry, and he also holds seats on UEFA’s club competitions committee and the European Club Association board.

Venkatesham also worked on the London 2012 Olympics and has a solid commercial background.

Newcastle could do with his skills as a qualified management accountant in their bid to keep afloat the profit and sustainability rules, and it will be interesting to see whether he is picked for the role.

The Toons are looking to establish themselves as a regular top-four team in the Premier League and frequent challengers for major silverware, and Venkatesham brings much-needed experience to the table after his work at Arsenal.