Former Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has secured a new role on a newly-formed Wembley Stadium advisory board just months after leaving his position with the Gunners.

Venkatesham spent 14 years at the club, initially joining their commercial department in 2010, and was later handed the CEO mantle in September 2020. Three years later, in 2023, it was confirmed he would depart the Emirates at the end of the 23/24 campaign in order to pursue an unspecified new challenge.

The former chief executive was at the heart of Arsenal's recent rise from a mid-table team to title challengers alongside Manchester City and Liverpool. He helped create the platform that has allowed Mikel Arteta push the team forward in recent seasons and along with Edu Gaspar, who has also recently left his role at the Emirates Stadium, he ensured the club was left in much better shape than when he first took on the role.

The 43-year-old has been linked with a return to the Premier League at Newcastle United, with a report from the Daily Mail last month claiming he could replace Darren Eales at St James' Park. However, it has now been confirmed by the Football Association that he will serve as an independent member on an advisory board to oversee the future development of Wembley Stadium.

The group is made up of independent experts and senior FA leadership with a goal of ensuring the venue remains world-class and continues to deliver experiences in sport, music and entertainment. They report directly to the FA with a focus on commercial opportunities, digital enhancement and safety and security.

Venkatesham is the chair of the board, with three other independent members appointed to oversee those key areas. At Arsenal, Richard Garlick was named as Arsenal's managing director at the beginning of the year and assumed the role over the summer.

You can find this story in   My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.