Peter Hill-Wood, former Arsenal chairman, dies aged 82

Prominent Arsenal figures expressed their affection and respect for Peter Hill-Wood on Friday after he died at the age of 82. Hill-Wood joined the club’s board in 1962 and was promoted to the position of chairman in 1982, where he served until ill health forced him to step down in 2013.

Hill-Wood oversaw the managerial appointments of George Graham and Arsène Wenger and a trophy haul that included five league titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. He was a key figure in the formation of the Premier League and Arsenal’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.

Hill-Wood’s grandfather Samuel and his father, Denis, had previously served as Arsenal chairman, with the former taking charge in 1929, meaning that the family were fundamental to the club for the best part of a century.

Educated at Eton College, Hill-Wood spent most of his working life at Hambros merchant bank. He was known for his pinstripe suits, old-school charm and how he preferred to work in the background at Arsenal. He is survived by his wife, Sally, and his children, Sarah, Julian and Charles. “We all had huge respect for the way he carried the values of Arsenal through the generations,” Wenger said. “He guided the club with vision, courage and intelligence. We will miss him deeply.”

Sir Chips Keswick, the Arsenal chairman, said “the contribution Peter has made to this football club will never be forgotten” while Ken Friar, the executive director, described him as “a rare and special man in so many ways”.

Friar added: “He was intelligent, with an infectious humour that he shared with us all. He was an Arsenal man through and through and much of what the club stands for today is owed to Peter and the Hill-Wood family.”

The former Arsenal strikers Ian Wright and Thierry Henry were among those to pay tribute on social media. Wright tweeted a photograph of Hill-Wood with David Rocastle, the late Arsenal midfielder, and wrote: “You gave Rocky his first pro contract and by doing that gave so many of us hope.”

Arsenal will wear black armbands at Liverpool on Saturday and against Fulham at home on Tuesday, when there will also be a minute’s silence.