Bulinews
·22 January 2026
Thomas Kessler promoted to sporting managing director at 1. FC Köln

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsBulinews
·22 January 2026

FC Köln have announced their trio of managing directors moving forward.
Thomas Kessler has signed a new contract until 2028 and will be promoted from sporting director to sporting managing director.
In addition to overseeing the men's team and scouting, the 40-year-old will also take responsibility for the women’s team, the sporting and administrative areas of the FC academy and the medical department.
“Being able to progress from being an academy to sporting managing director at this special club is a great privilege for me and, at the same time, an enormous responsibility," Kessler said.
“Over the past few months, we have worked together to develop a clear sporting direction and structure. Now it's a matter of consistently bringing these ideas to life and developing them further in a sustainable manner.”
Meanwhile, Philipp Türoff has been given the title as commercial managing director & spokesperson for the management board, with his contract extended until 2029.
Philipp Liesenfeld, on a contract until 2028, completes the trio as marketing and sales managing director.







































