English Premier League club Newcastle United F.C. have appointed David Hopkinson as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Newcastle United said Hopkinson will undertake a comprehensive handover process supported by outgoing CEO Darren Eales, who steps down from the position for health reasons.
Hopkinson 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.
Newcastle United Football Club is a professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England (UK). The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
St James’ Park is a football stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England (UK). It is the home of the Premier League team Newcastle United F.C. With a seating capacity of 52,305 it is the eighth largest football stadium in England.
Hopkinson 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, Hopkinson 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.
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.”
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.
“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.”
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