Newcastle United Expands Executive Team with Three Strategic Appointments

Newcastle United has announced three senior executive appointments to CEO David Hopkinson’s leadership team, expanding the executive structure to nine members.

The appointments of Graeme Johnson as chief people officer, Dave O’Connor as chief revenue officer, and Steven Taylor as chief marketing officer represent significant investment in the club’s off-pitch operations.

New Leadership Appointments

Graeme Johnson, a Tyneside-born executive, joins as chief people officer after serving as global vice president of People and Culture at Merlin Entertainments. His experience spans major global brands including LEGO, Hasbro, and Ferrari, with specialisation in high-performance culture development and large-scale organizational transformation.

Dave O’Connor will arrive later this month as chief revenue officer. The agency founder brings previous FIFA executive experience to his new role at Newcastle United.

Steven Taylor, appointed as chief marketing officer, will commence his position on 1st July. Taylor brings global brand and marketing strategy expertise to the expanding executive team.

Organizational Development Focus

The appointments form part of what the club describes as “continued investment into building a high-performing organisation off the pitch” aligned with objectives for “sustainable growth and success.”

The expanded nine-member executive leadership team now includes David Hopkinson as CEO, Simon Capper as CFO, Brad Miller as COO, and Ross Wilson as Sporting Director, alongside the three new appointees.

Johnson’s Tyneside background adds local connection to the club’s strategic development, while O’Connor and Taylor bring specialised expertise from agency and global brand environments.

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