Arsenal has "announced the appointment" of Chips Keswick as the successor to Peter Hill-Wood as the club's chairman, according to the PA. Keswick, 73, "has been on the Arsenal board" since '05. 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 CEO Ivan Gazidis "on the club's football and business ambitions." The appointment "breaks an Arsenal dynasty going back to 1927" as 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" (PA, 6/14). The BBC reported Hill-Wood is "standing down for health reasons." Hill-Wood, 77, "had a heart attack last December and leaves after 51 years on the board." Hill-Wood: "Although I am feeling better, I feel this is the right time for me to stand down." Keswick said, "I am honored. This is one of the great clubs in the game, recognized and loved by millions" (BBC, 6/14).
