Ex-Arsenal chief gets influential role as truth behind Daniel Levy’s Tottenham exit ermerges

Long-serving Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has confirmed his departure from the club, having spent nearly a quarter of a century in charge at the Premier League club

Daniel Levy’s Tottenham exit is part of a set of wider changes from the club’s ownership which are only just beginning to take hold. Levy was the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League, but confirmed on Thursday he was stepping away after nearly 25 years.

Levy, 63, joined Spurs’ board in 2000 and took over as chairman from Alan Sugar. He has overseen the hiring and firing of several managers in that time, most recently dismissing Ange Postecoglou and appointing Thomas Frank.

According to football.london, the move is part of a wider plan from owners the Lewis family to take the club in a new direction. It comes not long after the appointment of former Arsenal exec Vinai Venkatesham as Spurs’ new CEO, while other recent changes have taken place behind the scenes.

The same publication reports that in the years since long-term owner Joe Lewis stepped back from his role, his children and grandchildren have been more active in backing the club. This has led to the appointment of Venkatesham, who held a number of Arsenal roles – including CEO – before leaving in 2024.

Spurs also have a new non-executive chairman in place in the form of Peter Charrington. However, football.london reports that he will oversee the big picture rather than emulating Levy’s more hands-on approach.

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“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,” Levy said upon the confirmation of his exit. “We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

When Levy took over during the 2000-01 season, Spurs were languishing in mid-table under the management of George Graham. The new chairman replaced Graham with club legend Glenn Hoddle in April 2001, reaching the League Cup final the following season, but it was not until 2008 when the London club won their first trophy of the Levy era.

The wait for trophy number two went on even longer, though. After overseeing a move into a new stadium, Levy saw Spurs suffer a painful Champions League final defeat against Liverpool in 2019 and a narrow League Cup final loss against Manchester City two years later.

Spurs finally got their trophy in 2025, beating Manchester United in the Europa League final. That wasn’t enough for manager Postecoglou to stay at the helm, but Levy leaves with a new boss installed as the team returns to the Champions League.

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