Newcastle United Appoint David Hopkinson As New CEO

Newcastle United has announced the appointment of David Hopkinson as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

David officially joins the club today (5th September) and will undertake a comprehensive handover process supported by outgoing CEO Darren Eales, who steps down from the position for health reasons.

David brings more than 25 years of senior executive leadership and commercial expertise across three countries. He joins Newcastle United after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer at Madison Square Garden Sports in the United States, where he led the business operations of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.

Prior to that he held the role of Global Head of Partnerships at Real Madrid, and spent over two decades at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing commercial activities for the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

Speaking of his appointment, he said: “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.”

Newcastle United chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, said: “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.”