Post by QPR Report on Nov 26, 2008 22:20:06 GMT
BBC - Arsenal name new chief executive
Arsenal have appointed Major League Soccer deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis as their 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.
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."
Gazidis will start in the new role in January, 15 years after he left the UK.
"It may have been 15 years since I left, but I'm looking forward to returning," he said.
"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."
Club chairman Peter Hill-Wood added: "Ivan's credentials are first class.
"It is evident that he has a wealth of business acumen together with a broad knowledge of football that will not only help to maintain Arsenal's pre-eminent standing but enhance our reputation within the football community and international commercial markets."
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 Gunners' move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, departed in May 2008 after eight years at the club.
Arsenal have appointed Major League Soccer deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis as their 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.
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."
Gazidis will start in the new role in January, 15 years after he left the UK.
"It may have been 15 years since I left, but I'm looking forward to returning," he said.
"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."
Club chairman Peter Hill-Wood added: "Ivan's credentials are first class.
"It is evident that he has a wealth of business acumen together with a broad knowledge of football that will not only help to maintain Arsenal's pre-eminent standing but enhance our reputation within the football community and international commercial markets."
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 Gunners' move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, departed in May 2008 after eight years at the club.