Vinai Venkatesham hire: Sources reveal behind-the-scenes ‘threat’ at Tottenham
Tottenham are facing questions after announcing their decision to appoint Vinai Venkatesham as their new CEO on Friday.
It emerged on 11 April that Venkatesham will join Spurs’ board as their new chief executive officer at the end of the season.
The news raised a few eyebrows in English football as the British-Indian served as the CEO of Tottenham’s North London rivals Arsenal in his last major role in football.
Nevertheless, the administrator has been roped in to work alongside Daniel Levy in a newly-created CEO role at the Premier League starting this summer.
Venkatesham raises questions about structure at Tottenham
Considering the chief executive officer is a role that did not exist at Tottenham, Venkatesham’s appointment has led to question marks over Spurs’ structure.
Many wonder if the former Arsenal executive’s arrival will result in Levy being less involved in the day-to-day administration of the North London giants.
Contrary to speculation, Levy is expected to continue working as he always has. However, the same cannot be said about Scott Munn.
| Vinai Venkatesham – Arsenal | Time |
| Various sales/partnerships roles | 2010-2014 |
| Chief Commercial Officer | 2014-2018 |
| Managing Director | 2018-2020 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 2020-2024 |
According to BBC, Venkatesham’s appointment could signal major changes for Munn’s role as Spurs’ chief football officer.
The broadcasters reported via their website on Monday (14 April) that multiple sources have told them that Munn’s position is now under threat.
This means the Australian could be on his way out of N17, although no final decision over any departures has been made yet.
Exc: Tottenham incoming CEO Vinai Venkatesham to step down from his role as chair of the Wembley Stadium Advisory Board to avoid conflict of interest issues. The FA and Spurs compete to stage non-football events. https://t.co/ZiCZ98YVT2
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) April 14, 2025
Levy to oversee behind-the-scenes changes at Spurs
While there is a lack of clarity about the behind-the-scenes dynamics at Tottenham, it appears Levy is overseeing some changes to the structure.
It would not be a surprise if Munn leaves his role as Spurs’ chief football officer in the wake of Venkatesham’s appointment as the CEO.
It is worth noting that Levy wanted to bring Fabio Paratici back on a permanent basis before he agreed to join AC Milan as their sporting director.
It remains to be seen if Venkatesham’s appointment is linked to Paratici’s rejection.