Arsenal have announced the sudden departure of executive vice-chair Tim Lewis. The news broke on Friday morning that the 62-year-old corporate lawyer, who has advised Arsenal's ownership group Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE) since 2007, had decided to step down.

Lewis has long been associated with owner Stan Kroenke, 78, and was appointed as director of the Premier League club in September 2020 before being promoted to his most recent role in March 2023.

The departure of the lifelong Gunners fan comes as a surprise given his pivotal role, alongside sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta, in Arsenal's successful recruitment drive during the recent summer transfer window.

As a board member, Lewis had a say in any significant expenditure. For instance, if Arsenal were looking to sign a new first-team player, Lewis and others would need to give their approval before signalling the green light.

In Arsenal's 2021/22 Amazon documentary, amid the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saga, Lewis told Arteta that his role wasn't to offer footballing advice to the manager, but to support him where possible, highlighting the limits of his own responsibilities.

His strong relationship with Arteta also made him a key figure in discussions about the Spaniard signing a three-year contract with the club in 2022.

Perhaps lesser known is that, between 2007 and 2008, he advised Kroenke and KSE on their investment in Arsenal. He was involved when Kroenke purchased an initial 9.9 per cent stake from ITV plc in 2007, and continued to be integral as Kroenke became majority shareholder in 2011 and took full control of the club in 2018.

Over time, his duties extended well beyond legal matters and the acquisition of the club. During the Coronavirus pandemic, he helped navigate Arsenal through a turbulent period by helping to refinance its debt.

Lewis, a fervent advocate of financial fair play, also became an increasingly outspoken presence at Premier League level and spearheaded the lobbying among a group of clubs to try to prevent takeovers closely linked to nation states.

He is seen as a strong and highly-respected figure who isn't afraid to speak his mind, which can sometimes lead to awkward conversations and might have ultimately cost him.

His departure has triggered a significant shift in Arsenal's leadership structure with a major shake-up of the club's board. Richard Garlick, who joined as the club's director of football operations in 2021 and became managing director last year, has been appointed as the new CEO.

Meanwhile, Stan's son, Josh Kroenke, has taken on a more active role at the club in recent years and will continue to do so.

KSE representatives Otto Maly and Kelly Blaha will join the board as non-executive directors, along with KSE adviser Dave Steiner, bringing the family closer to the club. Film producer and director, as well as adviser and long-time Arsenal season ticket holder, Ben Winston, has also joined the board.

Josh Kroenke said on Lewis' departure: "We would like to thank Tim for his continued dedication and commitment to Arsenal in a period of transformational change for the club. He has played a pivotal role and ensured we are in a great position to continue to deliver our strategy in our ambition to win major trophies.

"In keeping with our desire to always move forward, we will strengthen our board with some exciting additions who will bring vast experience to the club across a wide range of professions.

"The group know and love Arsenal, and will bring a different skillset and expertise while injecting fresh thinking and energy to support us all to achieve our ambitions."

Who is Tim Lewis and what was his job at Arsenal as he stuns Mikel Arteta by quitting - The Mirror