We reported earlier today that big changes were coming at Newcastle United and the first of two major moves has just been confirmed.
Newcastle United have announced David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO, seeing the 54-year-old replace Darren Eales; who we wish well following his three years of work and ongoing battle with blood cancer.
Hopkinson will officially get to work from Friday 5th October, with a thorough handover process set to be supported by the outgoing Eales.
Most recently, Hopkinson was the president and chief operating officer of Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, also boasting huge experience at the top level of European football after working as Real Madrid’s global head of partnerships.
Newcastle United chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan has reacted to the news with this statement on the club’s official website, also thanking Eales for his work on Tyneside since 2022:
“We are delighted to welcome David to Newcastle United.
“David is an outstanding executive whose track record across global sport and entertainment speaks for itself.
“His experience and strategic capabilities will be invaluable as we continue to build on the club’s presence locally and grow it globally on and off the pitch.
“David’s leadership will be critical as we build upon what we have already achieved since the acquisition towards an exciting future and sustainable success.
“I would like to personally thank Darren Eales for his exceptional work and leadership, as well as his friendship, over the last three years.”
Director Jamie Reuben added:
“David’s arrival as CEO comes at a crucial time for the club and I am confident that he will prove to be an excellent fit for the role.
“He brings a wealth of experience in leadership positions at some of the biggest names in world sport, with an incredibly strong foundation to build upon.”
As for the man himself, David Hopkinson has had this to say on his arrival at the club, believing he’s arrived at an “exciting time” in Newcastle’s history:
“I am incredibly honoured to join Newcastle United at such an exciting time in the club’s history.
“This club represents something truly special. It has extraordinary history and heritage, incredibly passionate supporters, and ownership, players and staff who are committed to excellence.
“Having worked with iconic teams across different countries, I understand what it takes to build sustainable success at the highest levels of global sport.
“I greatly admire what has been achieved by the club so far, and I am excited and motivated by what is ahead as we strive to position Newcastle United among the world’s elite clubs.”
Welcome to Newcastle, David!
I’m happy Darren Eales (hope he has a successful recovery) has finally left, imo a lot of the behind scenes problems stems from him, wether it was due to his illness or ineptitude I don’t know, but Paul Mitchell was his appointment (the transfer policy of the club is not fit for purpose) and look how that worked out, he also had a hand in Amanda leaving the club, so hopefully onwards and upwards.
MorpethMag(Quote)
Glad to see a appointment at last let’s hope he and Eddie have a successful good working relationship to push the club forward.
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Hopkinson specializes in commercial affairs. At Real Madrid, he oversaw several major deals: sponsorships, stadium naming rights, tours, fan bases, etc. In short—monetizing everything. His appointment is a path toward financial independence.
I hope this will finally break the deadlock with the new stadium project
hmd(Quote)