Arsenal Football Club has announced that Sir Chips Keswick has been appointed chairman.
It follows the decision by Peter Hill-Wood to stand down from the
board for health reasons. Mr Hill-Wood, who has been Arsenal chairman
since 1982, is recovering after a heart attack last year.
Mr Hill-Wood's grandfather, Sir Samuel, and father, Denis, were the
Club's previous chairmen in a period stretching back to 1927.
Mr Hill-Wood, 77, said: “This has been a difficult decision as
Arsenal Football Club has been a huge part of my life. Although I am
feeling better I feel this is the right time for me to stand down. I
would like to thank our majority owner, Stan Kroenke, for the respectful
and dignified way he has handled this. I know Sir Chips is the right
person to take the Club forward.”
Mr Hill-Wood joined the board in 1962 when his father became
chairman. Since then he has been at the heart of all the Club’s major
decisions, including the move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal’s majority owner Mr Kroenke said: “Peter has been a wonderful
custodian of this Club. He has been a member of the Arsenal board for
51 years and his vision and steadfastness have been central to the
successes of this great Club over that time. Peter will be sorely missed
but we will recognise his many contributions to the Club in an
appropriate way.”
A lifelong fan, Sir Chips, 73, has been on the Arsenal board since
2005. He is the former chairman of Hambros Bank and a director of the
Bank of England. In his role as chairman, Sir Chips will work directly
with Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis on the Club’s football and
business ambitions.
Mr Kroenke said: “I am delighted that Sir Chips has agreed to become
chairman. He is a well respected businessman and he will provide further
direction and support in our ambition to compete at the top of the game
here and in Europe and to win trophies.”
Sir Chips said of his appointment: “Firstly, I am sad to see Peter
standing down due to his health and we all hope he continues well in his
recovery. The Hill-Wood family has made an extraordinary contribution
to Arsenal over many decades. They have been central to the Club’s many
achievements during this time.
“I am greatly honoured to have been appointed chairman of Arsenal
Football Club. This is one of the great clubs in the game, recognised
and loved by millions. I am looking forward to leading the Club to
future success.”
Arsenal
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