The club web page made this announcement today (September 1):
Our much beloved and respected executive director, Ken Friar, is to become a life president of the club from today after deciding to step down from the board and retire from his executive responsibilities.
‘Mr Friar’, as he is known to all at the club, started working for us 70 years ago. Starting full time in the club’s box office in 1950, he progressed to the role of box office manager before becoming club secretary in 1973.
Ten years later, in 1983, Mr Friar was appointed managing director, a position he held until 2000 when he changed role and took charge of our new stadium project alongside his great friend and fellow director, Danny Fiszman.
Together with Danny and many others, Mr Friar delivered the hugely complex stadium project on time and within budget, a wonderful legacy to all those involved. He was awarded an OBE in 2000 for services to association football and has also received the Freedom of the Borough of Islington.
Announcing his decision, Mr Friar, now aged 86, said: “Every day of my working life has been at this great club and I have treasured them all. It has been an honour and a privilege to see the club grow whilst maintaining its core traditions and values.
“Society, football and the club have all changed radically over the years but Arsenal has remained a constant force. We’ve won and lost many football matches but we have always recognised that as a club we play a really important role in our local community and beyond. I know that will continue as we move forward.
“I made this decision several months ago before the pandemic arrived. The club is in the hands of good people in Stan and Josh Kroenke, the board and our staff. They understand what we stand for and what we mean to our many millions of supporters around the world. I look forward to finally being able to watch our matches purely as a supporter without the inevitable concerns and stresses which come with management and board responsibilities.”
AISA has long been an admirer of Ken Friar’s contribution to the club and we wish him the very best for the future.
(Ken Friar photograph copied from arsenal.com website)
Happy retirement Ken. You are a legend.
A privilege to know you over the years.
Even as you leave the club wins 2 x silverware !
Be well
warmest regards
Michael Moss
Greetings Ken from Washington DC, USA. I never have met you over the course of my hundreds of visits to Highbury and the Emirates over the decades. Your name is a legend to all of your fellow gooners, and since you are one of us you must be a good bloke. Many thanks for your many contributions to this great club.
Have a healthy,safe and fulfilling retirement.
Ken enjoy your retirement 70 years at Arsenal absolutely outstanding ,what an achievement.Hope one day to be able to shake your hand and thank you personally.