Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe celebrates with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan after the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on May 22, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe celebrates with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan after the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on May 22, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United’s PIF owners have appointed David Hopkinson as Darren Eales’ successor.
Hopkinson was announced as the Magpies’ new Chief Executive Officer earlier this month, succeeding Darren Eales, who has stepped down from the role after three years due to health reasons.
The Canadian arrives in England possessing more than 25 years of senior executive leadership and commercial expertise across three countries.
He recently served 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, while his previous venture in football came at Real Madrid as Global Head of Partnerships at Real Madrid.
Earlier, he 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.
Eddie Howe comments on David Hopkinson’s appointment
Hopkinson has already held “several conversations” with Howe and was in attendance for the first time at St James’ Park as Newcastle beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 on Saturday.
Reacting to Hopkinson’s arrival, Howe said: “Yes, several conversations, great person again, really great energy,” Howe chuckled. “I laugh because he's very, very positive and I think he's a great appointment.
“I think it's an appointment that was much needed, unfortunately, with Darren's illness. It left a big gap and David will come in and hopefully take the club off the pitch into a new direction.”
What Newcastle United owners have said about David Hopkinson
Newcastle United chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan commented: "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.
Read More
"I would like to personally thank Darren Eales for his exceptional work and leadership, as well as his friendship, over the last three years."
Meanwhile, co-owner 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."
David Hopkinson reacts to joining Newcastle United
On joining Newcastle, Hopkinson 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."
Continue Reading