Borussia Dortmund (© CPD Football)
Amidst the challenging situation faced by the professional football sector in the Coronavirus pandemic, Borussia Dortmund are opting for continuity when it comes to personnel. The Executive Committee of the board of Borussia Dortmund GmbH, chaired by BVB President Dr. Reinhard Rauball, has decided to extend the contracts of managing directors Hans-Joachim Watzke, Thomas Tress and Carsten Cramer ahead of schedule.
“After intensive discussions, we have been able to secure the services of Hans-Joachim Watzke as chief executive officer for the next three years,” said Reinhard Rauball, who is full of praise for the management team led by Watzke, Thomas Tress and Carsten Cramer: “Despite the in some cases dramatically altered circumstances caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and the associated impact on income, our board of management have successfully managed to keep the ship on course in stormy seas.”
The contract with Hans-Joachim Watzke, originally set to expire on 31 December 2022, has now been extended until 31 December 2025. Watzke will continue to serve as chief executive officer and, as before, will be primarily responsible for the strategic orientation of the business as well as for the corporate divisions “Sport”, “Communication” and “Human Resources”.
The contracts of Thomas Tress and Carsten Cramer, previously set to expire on 30 June 2022, have now been extended until 30 June 2025. Tress will continue to be responsible for the “Finance”, “Organisation” and “Legal & Investor Relations” divisions. Cramer, for his part, will be in charge of the “Sales & Marketing” and “Digitalisation” divisions.
“We have great confidence in our management personnel,” said Dr. Reinhard Rauball, adding: “Even against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic situation, there is no need to worry about the continued existence of Borussia Dortmund. The next two seasons are already fully financed, regardless of whether or not we qualify for the UEFA Champions League.”
(Borussia Dortmund)