Newcastle Appoints Canadian Executive Hopkinson As New CEO To Replace Darren Eales

‎Newcastle United has appointed Canadian executive David Hopkinson as chief executive officer, succeeding Darren Eales, the club announced on Thursday.

‎Eales resigned for health reasons after revealing last September that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

‎”This club represents something truly special,” Hopkinson said.

‎”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.”

‎Hopkinson has joined Newcastle after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer at Madison Square Garden Sports, where he led the business operations of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.

‎Both teams, which operate out of Madison Square Garden in New York City, rank among the most valuable franchises in their respective leagues, the NBA for basketball and the NHL for hockey.

‎David Hopkinson previously served as Global Head of Partnerships at Real Madrid, where he helped cement the club’s status as one of the world’s most valuable football clubs during his tenure.

‎He also spent over two decades at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing commercial activities for the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

‎Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan called Hopkinson an “outstanding executive” with a top track record.

‎”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,” he said.

‎”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.”

In 2021, a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquired a controlling stake in Newcastle United.

‎In the previous season, the club ended a 56-year silverware drought by defeating Liverpool 2-1 to win the League Cup final.