End of a BVB era: timeline set for Watzke’s departure | OneFootball

Hans-Joachim Watzke is facing a major step at BVB. His withdrawal from management marks the end of an era. Now it has become known what the timeline for his departure looks like.

Borussia Dortmund is on the verge of a historic change at the top of the club: Hans-Joachim Watzke will step down from his position as CEO of the BVB capital company (KGaA) later this year and will subsequently be elected as the club’s president.

The 66-year-old had already announced his withdrawal from day-to-day operations in January 2024. However, Watzke will officially remain CEO until the general meeting on November 23, in order to personally present his accountability report—a formal requirement of the BVB statutes. Only after that will he take up his new role as club president.

Watzke’s journey at BVB began in 2001 as treasurer, before he took over management in 2005. At that time, the club was on the brink of financial collapse. Under his leadership, Borussia Dortmund developed into a financially stable and athletically successful club. During this period, BVB won the German championship twice, the DFB Cup three times, and established itself as a top club in Europe. Since 2021, Watzke has also served as 1st Vice President of the DFB.

After more than 20 years: Watzke steps down from BVB management

Since May 2024, responsibility for the sporting sector has been in the hands of club icon Lars Ricken. This initiated the gradual transition to prepare the club for the future. It is not yet officially known who will represent management externally in the future. Marketing chief Carsten Cramer, who enjoys high regard internally, is considered a likely candidate.

Watzke is planning a smooth transition to avoid a power vacuum. According to a report by Ruhr Nachrichten, he is also expected to run for president immediately after his resignation. The way is clear, after current president Reinhold Lunow initially indicated he would run again, but later withdrew this decision.

With the departure of Hans-Joachim Watzke, an era that has decisively shaped the club—athletically, economically, and structurally—comes to an end. However, the native of Sauerland will remain connected to BVB and will continue to support the club in his new role as president.

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