Arsenal have released the following statement: 

The New Year Honours List 2024 has been published, and we are delighted our Chief Executive, Vinai Venkatesham has been recognised.

Vinai, who has been with the club since 2010 has been recognised with an OBE for his services to sport.  

Before joining Arsenal as Head of Global Partnerships, he formed part of the commercial team of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics which saw the global sporting event hosted in his home city.

Vinai has also served the British Olympic Association since 2017 as an independent non-executive director, and performed the same role for the 2017 World Athletics Championships held in London.

Speaking on behalf of the Arsenal Board, Tim Lewis, Executive Vice-Chair 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.

“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.”

On receiving his OBE, Vinai said: “I’m really humbled to receive an OBE in the New Year Honours list for services to sport.  

“Everything I’ve been part of achieving in my time in sport, and all the opportunities I’ve been so fortunate to have, are all due to teamwork and brilliant colleagues.

“As such, a huge thank you to everyone I worked with at London 2012, the London 2017 World Athletics Championships, the British Olympic Association, UEFA, ECA, the Premier League, The FA, the Women’s Super League and of course the Board and all our people at Arsenal where I’ve had the privilege to work for over a decade.

“The biggest thank you of all is due to my family, and in particular my wife Liz, for their unwavering support.”

Congratulations to Vinai. Everyone at Arsenal is extremely proud of this recognition.