🚨 Bundesliga club names first female CEO, a league first | OneFootball

RB Leipzig has announced a groundbreaking step: With the appointment of 59-year-old Swiss Tatjana Haenni as of January 1, 2026, a woman will take on the CEO position at a Bundesliga club for the first time.

With this appointment, the club not only fills the role left vacant by Oliver Mintzlaff's departure but also sends a strong message for diversity and modernization in German professional football.

Haenni, who has decades of experience in international football management, will lead the four-member executive team. Alongside her are Johann Plenge (Business), Florian Hopp (Administration), and Marcel Schäfer (Sports). Together, the team is expected to strategically develop the club further, strengthen structures, and position RB Leipzig for future success in the coming years.

"We are extremely pleased to have secured Tatjana Haenni as a strong leadership figure as CEO for RB Leipzig. She impressed us and the committees with her expertise and the combination of specialist knowledge, leadership strength, and strategic thinking during discussions. We hope for new input and fresh impulses to ensure we are prepared for the future and continue to meet rising demands," said Supervisory Board Chairman Oliver Mintzlaff in a club statement. 

The Swiss herself is brimming with enthusiasm: "I am very much looking forward to the new task and working with Johann Plenge, Florian Hopp, Marcel Schäfer, and all employees. The discussions with those responsible were characterized by a trusting and appreciative atmosphere, and I am convinced that with strong teamwork and a focus on RB Leipzig's strengths, we can tap into a lot of potential."

The appointment comes during a phase of dynamic growth. The newly opened headquarters, the clear focus on organizational development, and increasing national and international demands show that RB Leipzig is still in an ambitious expansion phase. Haenni is expected to bring her expertise in designing modern, efficient structures and accompany the club on its path as an established Bundesliga member and internationally competitive club.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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