Newcastle United have been rocked by the news that Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone is set to leave the club after being placed on gardening leave.
The decision marks the end of his time at St James’ Park and comes amid growing scrutiny over the club’s off-field progress in recent months. According to reports, Silverstone will move on to take up an opportunity overseas, bringing an end to a spell that has been met with mixed reactions from both fans and insiders.
Silverstone, who joined Newcastle United three years ago, was appointed to help drive the club’s commercial growth following the Saudi-backed takeover.
His arrival was seen as a strategic move to boost sponsorships, partnerships, and overall brand visibility on a global scale. However, despite some progress, critics have argued that Newcastle have not achieved the commercial breakthroughs many expected during his tenure.
Some supporters have voiced frustration over the lack of major deals, particularly in areas such as training kit sponsorship and other high-profile partnerships that were anticipated after the new ownership’s arrival.
Before joining Newcastle, Silverstone held several influential roles in football’s commercial sector. He came from OneFootball, one of the world’s leading football media platforms, where he served as Senior Vice President of Global Development.
At OneFootball, he managed key partnerships with clubs, leagues, and federations, helping the platform strengthen its presence across multiple markets. Prior to that, he spent nearly seven years at Arsenal, where he rose to become Chief Commercial Officer.
His time in North London saw him oversee major deals, including the club’s partnership with Adidas and the high-profile sleeve sponsorship with Visit Rwanda.
Despite his impressive track record, Silverstone’s time at Newcastle has not been without controversy. While he brought vast experience and strong industry connections, his leadership style and the club’s slow pace of commercial expansion raised questions among some within the fanbase.
The perception among supporters was that Newcastle, given their growing global profile, could have advanced faster in securing lucrative deals comparable to Premier League rivals.
Nonetheless, Silverstone’s contributions behind the scenes have been significant in shaping Newcastle’s modern commercial structure. His work helped the Magpies strengthen relationships with global brands and establish a more professional and data-driven approach to sponsorship and fan engagement.
Insiders suggest his departure is amicable, with both sides recognizing the time was right for a change as the club prepares for the next phase of its growth strategy.
As he steps away from his role, Newcastle United face a crucial period of transition off the pitch. With the team aiming to compete regularly in Europe and expand its worldwide reach, finding the right successor to lead the club’s commercial arm will be a key priority for the board.
Silverstone’s replacement will inherit both the expectations of an ambitious ownership group and a passionate global fanbase eager to see the club maximize its commercial potential.
Peter Silverstone’s departure may close one chapter at St James’ Park, but it also opens the door for Newcastle to refresh its business vision.
His move abroad suggests he will remain within the global football or sports marketing industry, continuing to build on a career that has spanned over two decades.
