Newcastle United Chief Executive Darren Eales will step down after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer, the club has announced.
Eales, 52, who took on the role in August 2022, will remain in his position until a successor is appointed.
“Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege, and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club’s exciting journey,” said Eales. “However, it has become clear that now is the right time for me to make this decision so I can focus on my health and family.”
Eales’ appointment came in the first year following Newcastle United’s £305 million Saudi Arabian-backed takeover. Since his arrival, the club has reached its first domestic cup final in 24 years, appearing in the 2022-23 Carabao Cup final, and returned to the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League under Eddie Howe’s guidance last season.
In July, Newcastle appointed Paul Mitchell as their sporting director, following Dan Ashworth’s departure to Manchester United. This came after the exit of co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
“In the short term, it will be business as usual for the club’s day-to-day operations, and I will fully support a smooth transition to help the board carefully assess and appoint my successor,” Eales added.
“I want to sincerely thank the supporters, ownership, players, and staff. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead as the club moves towards a future of sustained success.”
Newcastle United Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan expressed gratitude for Eales’ “significant contribution” in helping to lay a solid foundation for the club’s future success.
“All of us at Newcastle United are deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with Darren and his family, and we wish him a full recovery,” Al-Rumayyan said.
“We will work closely with Darren on a smooth handover of the CEO role at the right time, following a thorough search process. He will continue to have the full support of the board and the Newcastle United family now and in the future.”