Full Breakdown
Tatjana Haenni Appointed as First Female CEO of RB Leipzig
12/10/2025, 10:40:30 PM
Historic Appointment in German Football
RB Leipzig has appointed Tatjana Haenni as the club's new chief executive, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold the CEO position in Bundesliga history. The announcement was made on December 10, 2025, with Haenni set to officially assume her role on January 1, 2026. The 59-year-old Swiss national brings extensive experience in football administration, having previously worked with UEFA, FIFA, and the Swiss Football Association.
Background and Experience
Tatjana Haenni's career in football spans decades, beginning as a player for the Swiss national team, where she made 23 appearances. Following her playing career, she transitioned into sports administration, holding various influential roles, including sports director at the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. Her appointment at RB Leipzig follows the tenure of Oliver Mintzlaff, who now chairs the club's supervisory board.
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement regarding her new role, Haenni expressed enthusiasm about joining RB Leipzig, stating, “I can’t wait to get started in January and to get to know the club on a deeper level. Together, we want to continue on what is already a successful path and achieve our ambitious goals.” Oliver Mintzlaff highlighted Haenni's qualifications, noting, “In our discussions, she impressed us and the committees with her expertise, as well as her combination of specialist knowledge, leadership strength, and strategic thinking.”
Significance of the Appointment
Haenni's appointment is a landmark achievement in German football, where, despite other women holding high-level positions, none have previously reached the CEO role at a Bundesliga club. Notable women in football management include Anne-Kathrin Laufmann at Werder Bremen and Christina Rühl-Hamers at Schalke, but Haenni's position represents a breakthrough for gender representation in top-tier football management.
Criticism and Opposition
While Haenni's appointment has been largely celebrated, some critics argue that the progress for women in football management remains slow and that more systemic changes are necessary to support women's advancement in the sport. They emphasize the need for broader initiatives to ensure that women are not only appointed to high-profile roles but also supported in their leadership journeys.
What's Next for RB Leipzig
As RB Leipzig prepares for the winter break, the club currently sits in second place in the Bundesliga, trailing Bayern Munich by eight points. Haenni's leadership will be crucial as the team aims to build on its recent successes, including two German Cups and a semifinal appearance in the Champions League in 2020. The club's ambitions for the future will likely be a focal point of Haenni's strategy as she steps into her new role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am very much looking forward to this new role. I am convinced that with strong teamwork and a focus on RB Leipzig’s strengths, we can tap into significant potential,” — Tatjana Haenni, CEO of RB Leipzig
- “In our discussions, she impressed us and the committees with her expertise, as well as her combination of specialist knowledge, leadership strength and strategic thinking,” — Oliver Mintzlaff, Chair of RB Leipzig's Supervisory Board
