Newcastle United have begun the process of scouting a new CEO after the terribly sad news that Darren Eales will have to step down.
Darren Eales was appointed as the club’s chief executive in 2022 following the PiF takeover, but Newcastle United announced last week that he will step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
Eales has chosen to continue to lead Newcastle United’s executive team until a successor is appointed.
He has been at the forefront of Newcastle’s rise to success under new ownership and was behind the recruitment of Paul Mitchell as sporting director this summer as well as helping to steer the club clear of PSR problems.
Eales vowed to back both Eddie Howe and Mitchell this summer after reports of unrest behind the scenes.
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Newcastle begin process of hiring new CEO
Newcastle have begun the process of finding a new CEO after Eales’ shock diagnosis.
According to The Athletic‘s Chris Waugh, Newcastle will not rush into appointing a successor because Eales is willing to work through his notice period.
He adds: “As with previous executive appointments — Dan Ashworth, Mitchell and Eales himself — the club will take their time and conduct an exhaustive recruitment process. An external firm may be commissioned to lead the early parts of the search.
“The early noises are that Newcastle are looking for a CEO who can establish the club as part of the English and European elite.
“When Eales was appointed, Newcastle wanted a non-traditional Premier League CEO – someone who would come in with an open mind and provide an alternative outlook as to how they could grow as a club.
“The feeling is that, just as Mitchell provides a different skill set to Ashworth as sporting director, perhaps Newcastle need an alternative type of chief executive.”
Newcastle still on track with long-term plan
Newcastle enjoyed a rapid ascent to the Champions League after the takeover, but the Magpies have learned in the last year that growing pains are to be expected.
A disappointing summer transfer window dampened the mood around St James’ Park and rumours of Eddie Howe being linked with the England job have unsettled things.
But Newcastle are still on the right track and patience will be needed. The club is growing revenue streams to avoid another PSR disaster like seen in the summer.
Conversations around expanding St James’ Park to over 60,000 are also ongoing and will provide a big boost to the club.
Eales has done a great job as CEO and Newcastle should now take the time to make sure they find the best successor possible.
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