It is unlikely that Venkatesham will rule Spurs with an iron fist. He is a firm believer in a culture of inclusivity.
He’ll lead by example rather than being ultra vocal, sources say.
“He’s a leader – but an understated one,” said one of his colleagues at the Emirates.
When it comes to making football-related decisions it is very likely he will be guided by the expertise of head coach Thomas Frank and technical director Johan Lange.
At Arsenal, it is noted that he generally let Edu and Arteta shape the football operation in terms of performance.
That may sound a given. But ask managers up and down the country – it isn’t.
He is viewed by those who worked alongside him at the Emirates as an efficient administrator, whose intelligence allows him to analyse and understand information quickly.
That strength allows him to make relevant contributions internally and, on a wider basis, it has allowed Venkatesham to expand his influence.
For example, he was a key member of the European Club Association, though he has now relinquished his position with the organisation.
It is said his amiable persona allows him to deal smoothly with characters who perhaps seem more assertive than his exterior suggests he is.
It will be interesting to hear if Venkatesham adopts an abrupter approach as he seeks to lay down a marker in the post-Levy era.
If first impressions are important, then those at the Emirates will tell you that Venkatesham makes a good one. In that sense, relationship building – internally and externally – is cited as one of Venkatesham’s key strengths.
Levy – despite often facing the wrath of irate supporters who pinned the blame for Tottenham’s flaws squarely on him – was liked behind the scenes at Spurs.
He was good to his staff. For instance, when Spurs would travel on pre-season tours, he would ensure the club’s support staff were provided with the same privileges as the players.
But it was Levy’s relationship with rival clubs that often left a sour taste; the now departed executive chairman’s infamous fierce negotiation style left him unpopular in boardrooms across the country.
It will be interesting to see how Venkatesham’s elevation, given his genteel and friendly personality, changes the dynamics between Tottenham and their rivals at boardroom level.
Will his “nice guy” identity be a strength or a weakness in a sport that is cut-throat?
