After what seems like an eternity, Arsenal have hired Ivan Gazidis as their new Chief Executive Officer following a thorough recruitment process.

There has been a glaring need for someone to oversee financial duties at Arsenal since the acrimonious departure of David Dein and Keith Edelman. After nearly two years, one of the positions have been filled with the appointment of Gazidis, who will start work at the Emirates in January 2009.

The South African-born Gazidis was educated at Oxford University, where he graduated as a solicitor.

Up until his appointment at Arsenal, the 44-year-old was the Deputy Commissioner for Major League Soccer (MLS) in America. There he was a key member involved with strategic planning and business dealings while also working with the league's marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing. He also oversaw transfer dealings, employment contracts, managed stadium events and player, coaching and refereeing matters.

Gazidis is expected to take up many of the roles vacated by David Dein including negotiating transfers and overseeing current players contracts. This role will mean the South African will work closely with Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger and so his football knowledge will be deeply scrutinised by the meticulous Frenchman.

“Ivan’s credentials are first class," Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said. "It is evident that he has a wealth of business acumen together with a broad knowledge of football that will not only help to maintain Arsenal’s pre-eminent standing but enhance our reputation within the football community and international commercial markets.”

Said Gazidis: “I have been privileged in my 14 years with MLS to have worked with and for some of the best sports executives and owners in the world, whose vision, commitment and expertise have taken the league from strength to strength and provided a solid platform for its future growth.

"I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to bring that experience to bear at Arsenal—a club rich in heritage and tradition—that is superbly positioned for success in the modern era. I relish the prospect of working with the key stakeholders to further propel the Club forward. It is nearly 16 years since I left the UK, but I’m very much looking forward to returning in January.” (Quotations from Arsenal.com).

Gazidis did not come cheap for the Gunners as he was also approached by Manchester City who made him a seven-figure offer to become their new chief executive.

Indeed, Gazidis was not Arsenal's first choice after Peter Lawwell decided to stay at Celtic and former FA chief executive Adam Crozier also turning down the role.

However, Gazidis is well thought of in America, having been with the MLS since its inception and is regarded as a significant character in bringing David Beckham to the United States.

His credentials will be tested at Arsenal who have struggled to keep players on contracts in recent years while last summer saw Wenger unable to negotiate contracts for players he wanted in the transfer window.

Arsenal fans will be hoping the club's new CEO will have a busy and successful first transfer window in English football come January.