Arsenal celebrates a notable achievement as their Chief Executive, Vinai Venkatesham, receives an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2024, marking a high point in his career.

In a significant recognition of his contributions to the realm of sport, Arsenal’s Chief Executive, Vinai Venkatesham, has been honoured with an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2024.

This accolade arrives as Venkatesham prepares to bid farewell to the club at the season’s end.

Venkatesham’s journey in sports administration has been marked by notable achievements, including his role in the commercial team for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and as a non-executive director for both the British Olympic Association and the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.

Since taking up the mantle of Chief Executive at Arsenal in 2020, Venkatesham has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence, guiding Arsenal through a transformative phase both on and off the pitch.

Under his stewardship, Arsenal have re-emerged as serious contenders for the title.

Also a strong proponent of women’s football, Venkatesham’s efforts have significantly contributed to the development of the game. His engagement with fans and stakeholders alike has been central to the club’s progress.

Expressing his thoughts on receiving the award, Venkatesham remarked, “It was certainly a surprise when I opened the letter. Nothing I was expecting, nothing I was anticipating, so a really, really wonderful surprise and I’m very proud and very privileged.”

He reflected on his career, saying, “Everything I have been part of, whether it was the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, the World Athletics Championships here in London in 2017, being able to be part of Arsenal, has been about being part of a great team.”

Acknowledging the support he received, he added, “I’ve had fantastic colleagues and fantastic team-mates along the way, at all of the places I have been fortunate enough to work.”

Venkatesham’s commitment to women’s sport, particularly football, has not gone unnoticed, as he mentioned, “another area where there has been fantastic collaboration and a really exciting new dawn for women’s football with NewCo being set up. I have been really proud and honoured and privileged to be part of that as well.”

Addressing Arsenal fans, he affirmed, “The message to the Arsenal fans is that we are fortunate enough to be part of this wonderful football club that is Arsenal. There are a number of people along the way at Arsenal, both on the men’s side and women’s side, who have been fortunate enough to receive honours for their work at this football club.

‌”This football club is always about looking forward. We have talked about some of the things that have happened in the past but we have an exciting season still to go and I can’t wait to get started on the second half of the season.”

The Arsenal Board, represented by Executive Vice-Chair Tim Lewis, expressed their pride and congratulated Venkatesham. Lewis said, “On behalf of everyone at Arsenal Football Club, we congratulate Vinai on being named in the New Year Honours List 2024 in recognition of his services to sport.

“He has been at the heart of the sports industry for nearly two decades, representing our city and subsequently the club in Europe and across the world.”

Lewis further added, “Vinai joins an illustrious list of people connected to Arsenal who have been recognised in New Year Honours lists who have all played an important role in the club and in the world of sport. We are so proud of them all.”

Venkatesham’s departure at the end of the season marks the end of a significant era for Arsenal, but his contributions, especially in elevating the club’s stature and fostering a robust support for the women’s game, will continue to resonate within the football community.

His honour in the New Year Honours List 2024 is a fitting tribute to his dedication and impact in the field of sports.