Arsenal confirmed the death of former club chairman Sir Chips Keswick at 84 years old. Keswick succeeded Peter Hill-Wood as chairman in 2013, leading the club successfully for seven seasons.
Under his leadership, Arsenal secured four FA Cup titles. Notably, Keswick’s last year with the north London team culminated in Mikel Arteta’s squad clinching the FA Cup by defeating Chelsea 2-1 in the 2020 final.
An Arsenal statement read: “It is with great sadness that the club reports the death of former Chairman, Sir Chips Keswick. Sir Chips will be greatly missed by everyone at Arsenal who knew him. And we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Sarah and their children David, Tobias and Adam.”
Keswick, an ardent supporter of Arsenal since his early days, frequently visited Highbury during his youth, before establishing his reputation in the banking field. In recognition of his contributions to the banking sector, he was honoured with a knighthood in 1993.
Having previously served as a Director of the Bank of England, Keswick maintained a close friendship with former Arsenal chairman Hill-Wood.
Consequently, in 2005, he was appointed to the club’s board, alongside Lord Harris, and eventually became the obvious successor to Hill-Wood after eight years.
Following his retirement, Keswick was able to enjoy his second sport – horse racing.
As stated in Arsenal’s tribute, the club said: “Retirement allowed him to spend more time with his beloved family as well as indulge in his other great sporting passion, horse racing.
“He was a respected owner of numerous racehorses over the years.”
