Newcastle United announced a major change at executive level today, [confirming the appointment of David Hopkinson](https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2025/09/04/yasir-al-rumayyan-releases-statement-as-newcastle-appoint-david-hopkinson/) as our new CEO.
Hopkinson’s arrival comes as Darren Eales leaves the club, bringing to an end his three-year stint on Tyneside as he departs for medical reasons following an ongoing battle with blood cancer.
Eales, who has overseen our first major trophy for 70 years and two Champions League qualifications, along with our ongoing growth commercially, has issued a parting statement today, reflecting on his time at the club.
Read his farewell below, which ends with a reassuring line on Hopkinson; a man he clearly has every confidence in:
> _“On behalf of my family and I, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone connected to this special football club for welcoming us into the Newcastle United family._
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> _“To all supporters, staff, players, coaches and ownership, you have made my three years here so incredible and I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved together._
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> _“I have made memories that will stay with me forever, and I’m also excited about what the future holds and the successes the club can go on to achieve._
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> _“I want to warmly welcome David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO. Newcastle United is in great hands, and I’d like to wish David and the executive team every success as the club continues on the next part of its exciting journey.”_
I was lucky to meet Darren Eales in July 2022, a few weeks before he was appointed.
It was a brief chat outside a bustling St James’ Park over pre-season, but his enthusiasm and interest in hearing what fans had to say was clear, even though he was ‘undercover’ at the time as he hadn’t officially started his role!
Everyone at NUFC Blog would like to wish him good health, a full recovery and all the best for the future.
Thank you, Darren!