While success across all age groups was a major part of the leadership team's priorities list, there was - inevitably - a sharper focus on first-team performance amid an understanding that succeeding at the very top of the club would facilitate prosperity lower down.
"We were very clear that the red arrow at the front was Mikel, and the first team was the one that we had to support closely," Ellis said.
"But that was also the pull that allowed us to do more. Consistent first-team performances allowed us to innovate more with the rest of the club, play risk and reward and invest in medium to long term.
"Ultimately a club is as successful as first-team performance and we all understand that."
Edu's exit in 2024 eventually led to Andrea Berta's arrival as sporting director in April 2025.
The Italian's impact at the Emirates has earned rave reviews from supporters, with Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke among the players signed in the summer.
Whether Berta's business eventually ends the club's wait for the title remains to be seen, but Ellis has seen the benefits of the Italian's work first-hand.
"The change from Edu to Jason to Andrea was an evolution for the club and one natural in any performance environment," he said.
"There were different approaches, but the goal was the same - to support a high-performing first team winning trophies.
"And as you can see now, they are very nearly there. All three of them are very different people, who have very different strengths, and all have made a contribution to where the club are now."
Ellis, who confirmed his departure from Arsenal through a social media post earlier this month, is looking to return to the game in time for next season in a senior leadership role.
"I feel I have unfinished impact and objectives I would like to achieve," he said.
"I have been through rejection, education, coaching, scouting, senior leadership all in this and would like to carry on."
And when he does return, Ellis insists people will be central to his ethos.
"I believe that investment in people is so important in high performance," he said.
"You undoubtedly need all of the technology, the data, the facilities you can have to support, but it's the people that are irreplaceable - connections, relationships, support, understanding, care and motivation.
"Those who you lead, those who work for you or around you, they are so important."
