peter hill-wood steps down as arsenal's chairman

Arsenal have announced the appointment of Sir
Chips Keswick as the successor to Peter Hill-
Wood as the club's chairman.
Hill-Wood, who has been Arsenal chairman since
1982, is recovering after a heart attack last year
and stood down for health reasons.
Keswick, 73, has been on the Arsenal board since
2005. He is the former chairman of Hambros Bank
and a director of the Bank of England. In his role
as chairman, Keswick will work directly with
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis on the club's
football and business ambitions.
The appointment breaks an Arsenal dynasty going
back to 1927 as Mr Hill-Wood's father Denis and grandfather
Sir Samuel were Arsenal chairmen before him.
Arsenal majority owner Stan Kroenke said: "Peter has been a
wonderful custodian of this club.
"He has been a member of the Arsenal board for 51 years and
his vision and steadfastness have been central to the
successes of this great club over that time.
"Peter will be sorely missed but we will be ensuring we
recognise his many contributions to the club in an appropriate
way."
On the new appointment, Kroenke added: "I am delighted that
Sir Chips has agreed to become chairman.
"He has a well-respected track record in business and he will
provide further direction and support in our ambition to
compete at the top of the game here and in Europe and to win
trophies."
Sir Chips is a member of the Keswick family which control
Hong Kong company Jardine Matheson, founded by William
Jardine.
He is an old Etonian and is currently a non-executive director
of a number of companies including DeBeers Sa, Investec
Bank and Persimmon plc.
Keswick said: "Firstly, I am sad to see Peter standing down
due to his health and we all hope he continues well in his
recovery. The Hill-Wood family has made an extraordinary
contribution to Arsenal over many decades. They have been
central to the club's many achievements during this time.
"I am greatly honoured to have been appointed chairman of
Arsenal Football Club. This is one of the great clubs in the
game, recognised and loved by millions. I am looking forward
to leading the club to future success."
Mr Hill-Wood, who is 77 and joined the board in 1962 when his
father became chairman, said: "This has been a difficult
decision as Arsenal Football Club has been a huge part of my
life. Although I am feeling better I feel this is the right time for
me to stand down.
"I would like to thank our majority owner Stan Kroenke for the
respectful and dignified way he has handled this and I know
Sir Chips is the right person to take the club forward."