In his new role, Shola will work closely with senior leadership across the club to support engagement with civic leaders, regulatory bodies, commercial partners and the club’s legendary former players.

A familiar face to generations of Newcastle United supporters, Shola made 397 senior appearances for the club over 14 years, scoring 79 goals.

After calling time on his on-field career, Shola returned to St. James’ Park as the club’s first loans coordinator in 2019 and has continued to hone his senior leaderships skills behind the scenes.

As well as being in the first cohort of the Premier League’s Executive Pathway Scheme in 2023, he also graduated with a master’s degree in strategic leadership at Newcastle University in December 2025 after two years of study.

Shola is also a proud patron of the Newcastle United Foundation, which continues to change the lives of thousands of people across the region through its wide range of community programmes.

Shola said: “Newcastle United has been part of my life for more than thirty years. From fulfilling my dream of playing professional football to serving in various roles since retiring, I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced so many sides of this special club.

“Becoming Head of Corporate Affairs is a real privilege and it’s the next natural step in my journey. The role enables me to bring together everything I've learned on and off the pitch, and channel it into supporting the club's growth and long-term ambitions.

“I know first-hand how powerful Newcastle United is in uniting communities and making a positive difference. I look forward to building strong relationships across our region and working with colleagues and key stakeholders to strengthen that impact.

“I want to thank everyone at the club for their trust in me. This club has given so much to me and my family, and I'm deeply passionate about continuing to give something back.”

Lee Marshall, Newcastle United’s Director of Media and Communications, said: “Shola is an outstanding fit for this new role. His contribution on the pitch is already well known, having made almost 400 appearances for the club, but his journey since retiring is just as impressive.

"Having been through the Premier League Executive Pathway Scheme and completed a master's in strategic leadership, Shola has spent recent years quietly building his executive skillset.

“As a proud patron of the Newcastle United Foundation, he has also gained vital experience of working alongside key regional partners while championing our extensive work in the community.

“That combination of genuine passion for the club and the city, his on-pitch journey, and real off-pitch development gives him a unique perspective as he drives our corporate affairs programme.

“He is a natural communicator and relationship builder, and that will be invaluable as we strengthen ties with key stakeholders and work towards our ambitious long-term vision."