Atlanta United president and chief executive officer Darren Eales is leaving next month to become the CEO of Premier League side Newcastle United.
Eales, 49, has been the boss in Atlanta since the MLS club was founded in 2014.
Highlights of his tenure include winning the MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2019.
“It has been the adventure and honor of a lifetime to help build Atlanta United,” Eales said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to Arthur Blank, both for giving me the initial opportunity, and for providing unparalleled support and leadership throughout the journey. I have been privileged to work with an amazing team of people who rolled up their sleeves and made a vision into reality. And I have loved being a part of this vibrant city, with its brilliant, passionate supporters. Thank you, Atlanta, and thank you 17s.”
A native of Chelmsford, England, Eales will take over a Newcastle United team that finished 11th in the Premier League table in 2021-22.
He will remain with Atlanta United through Aug. 8 and start his new position on Aug. 22.
“Newcastle United is both a giant of a club, and the heartbeat of its community. Every time I have visited St. James’ Park, I’ve been overwhelmed by the passion of the fans,” Eales said. This is a club with an amazingly rich heritage, and I am delighted to be joining for this new chapter in its long history. I am grateful for the opportunity, and look forward to working with the rest of the team to help this storied club (fulfill) its potential.”
–Field Level Media
