David Hopkinson is the brand new CEO of Newcastle United and here’s what you need to know about him.
2025 has been a year of change at Newcastle United at nearly every level of the club.
On the pitch, the long wait for a trophy came to an end, though Eddie Howe’s fine season meant his star striker caught the eye of suitors, so Alexander Isak forced through a move to Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Newcastle have announced plans to change the club crest and to potentially build a new stadium, alongside changes at executive level within the club.
Paul Mitchell left his role as director of football, leading to a difficult transfer window, with expected replacement Ross Wilson still not through the door.
CEO Darren Eales also had to stand down due to health reasons but he has been replaced by David Hopkinson.
Here’s what you need to know about him.
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How old is David Hopkinson?
Hopkinson is a native of Toronto, Canada, and is currently 54 years of age.
Who has David Hopkinson worked for?
Hopkinson has enjoyed a highly successful career in sports business, having worked for a wide range of highly successful clubs and franchises.
Hopkinson started his career selling tickets for his hometown NBA side, the Toronto Raptors, over the phone.
He worked his way up the ranks at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the NHL side Toronto Maple Leafs, to the position of chief commercial officer.
Hopkinson spent 24 years with the company before taking his first steps in football. He jumped right in at the deep end by getting a job at Real Madrid as global head of partnerships.
After spending two years in the Spanish capital between 2018-2020, Hopkinson headed to New York City next as he was hired as the chief operating officer of Madison Square Garden Corp, which owns the NHL’s New York Rangers and the NBA’s New York Knicks.
He worked for MSG between 2022-2024 and has now been hired by Newcastle.
When did David Hopkinson join Newcastle United?
Newcastle announced on September 4 2025, that Hopkinson had been hired as CEO to replace Eales, with him officially starting his role on September 5.
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.”
What has David Hopkinson said about Newcastle United?
Upon joining the club, 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.”
After being at the club for more than a week, Hopkinson sent an open letter to supporters.
He wrote: “As I settle into my new role, I wanted to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome I have received.
“Since arriving last week, I have had so many conversations with people inside and outside the club. I’ve gained invaluable insights, and I’m looking forward to connecting and engaging with more of you in the weeks and months to come.
“I’m also looking forward to getting out into the community in the coming weeks to meet more of you and understand what makes this region so special.
“My first impression is this is one united family, on and off the pitch. It is the people who make this football club so special and it is a privilege for me and my family to now be a part of it.
“I’m also truly excited about the future that lies ahead of us. My aim is to build on the tremendous work that preceded me with a renewed sense of alignment for everyone, helping us to grow and win together.
“While I have seen, heard and felt your pride and passion at close hand in recent days, I strongly suspect it will be nothing compared to what I will experience at St. James’ Park in the coming days.
“I can’t wait to be with you for my first game as CEO on Saturday and to be alongside you for the phenomenal journey ahead of us. The best is yet to come.”
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