Newcastle United owners have interviewed David Hopkinson to become the new CEO | OneFootball

David Hopkinson has been interviewed by the Newcastle United owners to become the club’s next CEO.

The Mail have the exclusive and say that their information is that the former Real Madrid executive is their preferred choice, if/when personal terms can be agreed.

The 54 year old Canadian seemingly set to replace the outgoing Darren Eales.

September 2024 brought the shock news (see below) that the Newcastle United CEO was having to leave the club on health grounds.

Darren Eales diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer but saying he would carry on until a successor was found.

‘David Hopkinson, who was most recently the president and chief operating officer of Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, is the leading candidate for the role soon to be vacated by Eales, who announced in September he would be leaving following the diagnosis of a chronic form of blood cancer.

He has been interviewed by PIF and is thought to be the preferred choice, should he agree terms.

Hopkinson has previously worked as Real Madrid’s global head of partnerships and, for 23 years, was chief commercial officer for the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Partnership, which included MLS franchise Toronto FC. He is currently serving as a board member for Canada Basketball.

Interestingly, he has vast experience in venue management, with Newcastle set to update fans on their plans for the club’s future home stadium. Mail Sport revealed in March that the intention is to move to a new home on Leazes Park.

Hopkinson says of his Madison Square Garden role that he, ‘guided the strategic vision and operations of premier global sports franchises including the New York Knicks and New York Rangers’.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are using recruitment firm Nolan Partners to search for a new sporting director. They were previously hired before the appointment of Dan Ashworth in 2022.

Newcastle declined to comment on Hopkinson and the chief executive role.’

Newcastle United official announcement on CEO Darren Eales – 27 September 2024:

‘Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales is to step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.

Darren will continue to lead Newcastle United’s executive team until a successor is appointed.

Darren arrived at St. James’ Park in August 2022 – ten months after the club’s change in ownership – and has played a critical role in a significant period of progression on and off the pitch.

During his tenure, as well as reaching a first domestic cup final in 24 years in February 2023, the Magpies returned to the UEFA Champions League last season after a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

Darren Eales said: “Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club’s exciting journey.

“However, it has become apparent to me that now is the right time to make this decision so that I can prioritise my health and my family.

“In the short term, it will be business as usual in terms of running the club’s day-to-day operations, and I will give my full support to a transitionary period that will enable the board to carefully assess and appoint my successor.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the club’s supporters, ownership, players and staff. I’m proud of what we have collectively achieved and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for everyone as the club builds towards a future of sustained success.”

Newcastle United Chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, said: “All of us who are connected with Newcastle United are very saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with Darren and his family and we send him every good wish for a full recovery.

“On a personal level, Darren has been a great partner to me and to our fans, players, ownership and staff.

“On behalf of the club and its owners, I want to thank Darren for his service and dedication to Newcastle United. He has made a significant contribution to the club’s progress during his time as CEO, helping to build a strong foundation for Newcastle United’s success. We fully understand the difficult decision he has made.

“We will work closely with Darren to hand over the CEO role at the appropriate moment following a carefully considered search process, and he will continue to have the full support of the board and the Newcastle United family now and in the future.”