Newcastle United set to replace key man after £300m Arsenal deal & summer exit confirmed

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Newcastle United are looking to appoint a new chief executive officer to replace Darren Eales.

Former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham is reportedly in the frame to be appointed in the same role at St James’ Park. That’s according to Mail Online, who claim Newcastle are using external specialists in search of a new CEO with majority owners PIF set to make the eventual appointment.

This comes after Darren Eales announced he would be stepping down from his position in September after two years in the role. Venkatesham has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Eales having left Arsenal over the summer to ‘pursue another challenge’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 43-year-old also has a pre-existing relationship with Newcastle’s chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone having worked alongside him at Arsenal between 2015 and 2022.

Following confirmation of Venkatesham’s departure from Arsenal, Silverstone wrote on LinkedIn: “'Congratulations on an incredible career at Arsenal. Obviously I was extremely fortunate to spend seven years working alongside you and am extremely grateful for the opportunity you gave me, the incredible work we did together and areas where you helped me develop.

Newcastle United CEO Darren EalesNewcastle United CEO Darren Eales
Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales | Getty Images

“Some great (and amusing) memories too. I know you'll continue to work like a maniac for the next year but I do hope you take some time to reflect and enjoy the last lap. See you soon.”

Silverstone and Venkatesham were behind one of Arsenal’s most lucrative commercial deals having agreed a £300million partnership with Adidas in 2019. Silverstone has agreed another kit supplier deal with Adidas since arriving at Newcastle which has been described as ‘the biggest’ commercial deal in the club’s history.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1849
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice