‘I’ve spent my entire career trying to take on a role just like this…’ – David Hopkinson | OneFootball

David Hopkinson was revealed as the new Newcastle United CEO on Thursday.

The official announcement (see below) coming 12 months after the Newcastle United owners stated that they were looking for a new CEO due to Darren Eales’ health issues.

David Hopkinson with a very strong CV of working previously at a number of major sporting institutions.

Now taking on that role of Newcastle United CEO, David Hopkinson declaring; “I’ve spent my entire career trying to take on a role just like this, so it feels great.”

Best of luck to him on a hopefully lengthy AND successful new working era at Newcastle United.

David Hopkinson interviewed by official club media – 5 September 2025:

“This (St James’ Park) is a magical place.

“We’re on the pitch where legends have played.

“We’ve got the stands here that have been filled with fans who are mad about this team, so there’s such an incredible starting place.

“We’re starting from such a high place – but we’ve also got this moment of potential transformation as we get ready to play on the biggest stages imaginable, higher ambitions than maybe we have had at different points in the club’s history.

“Being part of this moment is where I think there’s opportunity for even more magic.

“I’ve spent my entire career trying to take on a role just like this, so it feels great.

“I get energised about big opportunities – big, global opportunities – and I think that there’s an ambition that we are unlocking here at Newcastle to take an even bigger role on a global stage, in the global game.

“That’s energising.

“That’s exciting.”

“I’m going to do my best to represent this club and ultimately this community.”

Newcastle United official announcement – 4 September 2025:

Newcastle United are delighted to announce the appointment of David Hopkinson as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

David officially joins the club on Friday, 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, delivering results for some of the world’s most iconic and valuable sporting organisations.

From New York to Newcastle

David 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.

Both are among the most valuable franchises in the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League respectively, and compete at the world-renowned Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Previously, as Global Head of Partnerships at Real Madrid, David served on the executive team as they cemented their place as one of the world’s most valuable football clubs.

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.

‘An exciting time in the club’s history’

David 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.”

‘An outstanding executive’

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.”

Director 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.