Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of David Hopkinson as their new chief executive officer, with the 54-year-old officially starting on September 5.
Hopkinson replaces Darren Eales, who stepped down for health reasons after three years in charge. The Canadian executive brings more than two decades of experience across major sports organisations in North America and Europe, including leadership roles at Real Madrid, Madison Square Garden Sports and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
Most
recently, Hopkinson was president and chief operating officer at MSG Sports, overseeing business operations for the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. Earlier, as global head of partnerships at Real Madrid, he helped broker high-value commercial deals, while at MLSE he managed sponsorship and commercial growth for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.
Hopkinson said he was “incredibly honoured” to take up the position, describing Newcastle as a club with “extraordinary history and heritage” and supporters who are “incredibly passionate.”
Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan hailed the appointment, saying Hopkinson’s “experience and strategic capabilities will be invaluable” as the club continues its push for sustainable success on and off the pitch. Director Jamie Reuben added that his arrival comes at a “crucial time” for Newcastle and would strengthen the foundations already in place.
Hopkinson is expected to focus on growing commercial revenues, globalising the club’s profile and guiding long-term infrastructure decisions, including whether to expand St James’ Park or construct a new stadium. He will not directly involve himself in football operations, leaving Eddie Howe and the recruitment team to handle sporting matters.
Newcastle’s turnover of £320m in 2023–24 remains well below the Premier League’s established elite, and Hopkinson is tasked with closing that gap while maintaining the club’s identity.
