Arsenal appoint majority shareholder Stan Kroenke's son Josh as a non-executive director

The appointment is said to 'reaffirm the family's long-term commitment to the club'

Arsenal latest addition to the board of directors, Josh Kroenke (L) sits alongside his father and Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke (R) (GETTY IMAGES)

The son of Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has been appointed a non-executive director at the Barclays Premier League leaders.

Arsenal confirmed on Thursday evening that Josh Kroenke will take on the position in a move the 33-year-old said would "reaffirm our family's long-term commitment to the club".

Kroenke, a financial management graduate of the University of Missouri, is set to combine the role with his duties with the family's sporting empire in the United States.

"It is an honour to join the board of Arsenal," he said in a statement.

"This reaffirms our family's long-term commitment to the club.

"Arsenal is in a strong position on and off the pitch. We are enjoying a period of growth for Arsenal and the Premier League. We look forward to an exciting future that includes winning trophies, increasing our already impressive support around the globe and extending our commercial opportunities.

"We strongly feel our experience in sports management, marketing and broadcast will be an asset to an already impressive board."

Announcing the appointment, Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick said: "We are delighted to welcome Josh Kroenke to the board of Arsenal. He has great experience in running sports organisations and brings extensive knowledge of what is required to succeed as we develop our club for the future."

Josh Kroenke has been heavily involved with the family's three sporting franchises in Colorado and is in his seventh year at the Denver Nuggets, the past three serving as the NBA club's president and governor.

The Nuggets registered a franchise best 57-25 win-loss record last season - losing just three of their 41 home games - which earned George Karl the NBA's Coach of the Year award. Despite that Karl was fired by the club after a first-round play-off exit.

Josh Kroenke is also president of the Colorado Avalanche NHL ice hockey team, who are enjoying their best ever start to a season, and is the alternate governor of the Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer team.

The Arsenal statement also said Josh Kroenke worked "closely with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment executives on multiple business operation issues, ranging from finance to marketing".

PA