Knapper, who is currently loans manager at Arsenal, will succeed Stuart Webber in the post and will begin on November 27.
The pair will work together for a handover period in the interim before Webber transitions out of the business in due course. The expectation is that City’s current sporting director will depart prior to the January window.
Knapper’s appointment marks the end of a lengthy recruitment process that saw the club whittle down a shortlist of six since Webber’s decision to step down in March.
Norwich have utilised a recruitment agency to lead the search for his successor with Knapper emerging as the prime candidate and choice of City’s board.
Knapper has been at Arsenal since 2010 when he joined from sports data and technology company Prozone in July 2010. He was originally lead analyst as the Emirates, where he served under managers Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery.
His primary responsibility during that time was supporting the first-team coaching staff with match preparation.
He was promoted to the role of loans manager in July 2019 and has worked closely deciding which players would depart the club on a temporary basis and played a key role in their development.
Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Knapper revealed his delight at taking on the mantle as City’s football figurehead.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Norwich City. It is a club that I’ve admired from afar for a long time,” Knapper told official club channels.
“My interactions and dealings with the club over the years have always been very positive. It is a club that has always left an impression on me, and I’ve been really impressed with how they operate.
“There are clearly some very good foundations already in place. I’m really looking forward to getting started, meeting everyone and contributing to the next chapter of success in the club’s journey.”
In a statement on behalf of City’s board, Zoe Webber explained why Knapper had become their favoured choice for the role.
“We’re excited to have Ben lead our football department and join our Executive Committee given the extensive expertise he gained at Arsenal, a team at the cutting edge of English football.
“We’re all proud of the football infrastructure we’ve built and believe Ben’s skillset and experience will take the club to the next level which we’ve been working hard towards,” she said.
“Throughout the interview process, we were all really impressed by Ben’s depth of knowledge and excellent reputation in the industry, as well as his hunger and desire to join our club.
“We’re sure all of our supporters will join us in welcoming Ben to the Norwich City family.”
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu has told of his pride at Knapper’s graduation into his new role at Carrow Road after over a decade of service with the Premier League club.
“We are so proud that Ben has been appointed sporting director at Norwich City. Of course, we are all sad Ben is leaving us, because he is such a top professional and person, and we have enjoyed a great working relationship together.
“He has been a huge asset to us during his career at Arsenal, where he has developed through our performance analysis teams to become our highly successful loans and pathway manager.
“Ben has played a key role in the positive development of so many of our men’s players over the years, where he has driven a part of our football strategy to give our players the best possible experience, to ensure they return to us with enhanced qualities to continue their careers with us or elsewhere.
“We are proud to have given Ben the opportunities to develop his own career too, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter with Norwich City.”
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