Newcastle United have appointed David Hopkinson as the club’s new chief executive officer.
Hopkinson’s appointment had long since been expected and comes nearly a year after his predecessor Darren Eales announced he would be stepping down after being diagnosed with blood cancer.
Eales had been working his notice period but, with Paul Mitchell departing as sporting director at the end of June, the leadership vacuum at the top of the club came under scrutiny as Newcastle endured early frustration in the transfer window.
The Magpies saw several striker targets go elsewhere, those setbacks magnified by the prolonged stand-off between Newcastle and Alexander Isak, who refused to train or play in a bid to force through a move to Liverpool.
Manager Eddie Howe’s nephew Andy, the assistant head of recruitment, led Newcastle’s efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of a Champions League campaign, and they ultimately paid dividends.
Newcastle’s transfer business
Newcastle signed winger Anthony Elanga for £55million and, after also bringing in goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (on loan), centre-back Malick Thiaw and midfielder Jacob Ramsey, the club signed the two strikers required to make an Isak exit palatable, landing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal and concluding their protracted pursuit of Yoane Wissa on deadline day.
Wissa signed for £55m from Brentford as Isak departed for a British record £125m.
Though the results were ultimately satisfactory, the process behind Newcastle’s transfer window is worthy of questioning. It will be hoped that, with Hopkinson expected to be followed through the door by Nottingham Forest’s chief football officer Ross Wilson to take on the role of sporting director, Newcastle will be in a better position to do business more efficiently going forward.
Hopkinson aiming for the elite
Hopkinson has previously overseen the business operations of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, as well as the commercial activities of the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. In football, he has experience as Real Madrid’s global head of partnerships.
“I am incredibly honoured to join Newcastle United at such an exciting time in the club’s history,” Hopkinson told Newcastle’s official website.
“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.”
Newcastles 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.”
Upon officially relinquishing his role, Eales said: “On behalf of my family and I, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone connected to this special football club for welcoming us into the Newcastle United family.
“To all supporters, staff, players, coaches and ownership, you have made my three years here so incredible and I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
“I have made memories that will stay with me forever, and I’m also excited about what the future holds and the successes the club can go on to achieve.
“I want to warmly welcome David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO. Newcastle United is in great hands, and I’d like to wish David and the executive team every success as the club continues on the next part of its exciting journey.”
