Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is delighted after the club finally appointed a new CEO.
Days after a chaotic summer transfer window came to a close, Newcastle United confirmed the appointment of David Hopkinson as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday.
The club have been looking for a new CEO ever since Darren Eales was sadly forced to step down due to health reasons.
Eales has been working for the club while they searched for his successor but will step down from his role this month.
Hopkinson has previously worked as the Global Head of Partnerships at Real Madrid, as well as Chief Operating Officer at Madison Square Garden Sports.
Al-Rumayyan and co-owner Jamie Reuben have given statements following the news.
Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan attends a LIV Golf event.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Yasir Al-Rumayyan reacts after Newcastle United appoint David Hopkinson
Owners PIF have been criticised this summer, having sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool while struggling to sign players themselves.
However, PIF are proud of the work they have done in the transfer market, with six major signings made without a CEO or sporting director in place.
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Hopefully, with a new CEO in place, the Newcastle United owners can continue to build. It’s easy to forget that the club are coming off their greatest season in living memory, after all.
A statement from Al-Rumayyan was posted on the Newcastle United official website. It read: “We are delighted to welcome David to Newcastle United.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Hopkinson as
the club’s new Chief Executive Officer
Welcome to Newcastle United, David! pic.twitter.com/hvazVk0vq0
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 4, 2025
View Tweet
“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.
Darren Eales will formally step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer in September following the appointment of David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO.
We wish you all the very best for the future, @DEalesNUFC
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 4, 2025
View Tweet
“I would like to personally thank Darren Eales for his exceptional work and leadership, as well as his friendship, over the last three years.”
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.”
Newcastle United set to make second key appointment
Ross Wilson is also reportedly set to join Newcastle as their sporting director, which would be another huge boost.
Wilson is highly rated by people at Newcastle, having undertaken successful roles at the likes of Nottingham Forest, Rangers and Southampton.
The news will be a boost for manager Eddie Howe. Howe called on PIF to appoint a new CEO and sporting director during the transfer window and it appears he will soon get his wish on both fronts.
Hopefully, having a corporate structure in place will help Newcastle avoid another dramatic transfer window going forward.