Full Breakdown
Kathleen Krüger Appointed Board Member for Sport at Hamburger SV
5/13/2026, 2:02:18 AM
Appointment of a New Sporting Director
On 1 July 2024, Hamburger SV (HSV) confirmed that Kathleen Krüger will assume the role of board member for sport, succeeding Stefan Kuntz, who left the position in January. The appointment makes Krüger the first woman to hold a permanent sporting-director post at a Bundesliga club.
From Bayern Munich to HSV: Professional Background
Krüger spent 17 years at FC Bayern München, progressing from assistant to Christian Nerlinger in 2009, then to general manager, and most recently serving as senior leading expert in sport strategy & development. As a player she made 33 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern’s women’s side between 2003 and 2009.
Principal Actors in the Decision
Key figures involved include Michael Papenfuß, chairman of HSV’s supervisory board; Henrik Köncke, supervisory board member and HSV e.V. president; and Eric Huwer, HSV’s chief financial officer, who will share strategic responsibilities with Krüger.
Chronology of the Appointment
- 2003-2009: Krüger plays for Bayern Munich (women).
- 2009-2012: Assistant to Bayern’s sporting director.
- 2012-2024: Holds various senior roles, culminating in senior leading expert for sport strategy.
- January 2024: Stefan Kuntz departs HSV.
- April 2024: HSV announces Krüger’s appointment, pending board approval.
- 1 July 2024: Krüger officially joins HSV’s executive board.
Key Numbers
- Age: 40 years.
- Tenure at Bayern: 17 years.
- Bundesliga appearances as player: 33.
- First permanent female sporting-director in Bundesliga history.
Implications for Gender Representation in the Bundesliga
Krüger’s hiring is described as a “further step towards gender equality in German football.” While Katja Kraus previously served on HSV’s board (marketing, 2003-2011) and briefly as interim sporting director in 2009, Krüger is the first woman to occupy the permanent sport-directorship at a top-flight German club. The move follows similar appointments, such as Tatjana Haenni at RB Leipzig.
Official Statements from HSV Leadership
HSV’s supervisory board highlighted Krüger’s extensive experience in elite club environments and her strategic acumen, noting that she will assume overall responsibility for the sporting department alongside Eric Huwer. The club’s public announcement emphasized the thorough, multi-month selection process and the alignment of Krüger’s vision with HSV’s long-term goals.
Criticism and Opposition
None of the consulted sources reported public criticism or opposition to the appointment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently state Krüger’s start date, previous Bayern role, and her status as the first permanent female sporting director in the Bundesliga; no discrepancies were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “By appointing Kathleen Krüger, HSV is securing the services of a highly respected figure who has worked at the highest international level for many years at FC Bayern München. Over the course of 17 years, she has gained extensive experience in the sometimes emotionally charged environment of an elite club, helped shape key processes and demonstrated exceptional organisational and leadership skills. She combines sporting expertise, strategic thinking and outstanding communication skills, and will in future assume overall responsibility for HSV’s sporting department. Together with board member Eric Huwer, she will play a decisive role in shaping the club’s strategic development going forward,” — Michael Papenfuß, Chairman, HSV Supervisory Board
- “We consciously gave ourselves the necessary time and sense of calm to fill this executive board position in the best possible way, in line with HSV’s goals and values.” — Henrik Köncke, Supervisory Board Member, HSV
- “I’m absolutely delighted by the trust that has been placed in me. It is a genuine privilege to help shape Hamburger SV, one of the biggest names in German football, in such a decisive sporting role, building for the future on the sporting level,” — Kathleen Krüger, Board Member for Sport, HSV
- “It is a true privilege to be able to play a decisive role in shaping Hamburger SV, one of the biggest names in German football, in the sporting area in the future.” — Kathleen Krüger, Board Member for Sport, HSV
- “In Kathleen Krüger, Hamburg have acquired a high-profile figure who has worked at the very highest level internationally at Bayern Munich for many years,” — Michael Papenfuß, Chairman, HSV Supervisory Board
Outlook and Upcoming Initiatives
Krüger will collaborate with Eric Huwer to refine HSV’s sporting strategy, oversee youth development, and manage player contracts ahead of the 2024/25 season. The club anticipates a restructuring of its loan and transfer policies, with particular attention to integrating the existing sporting director, Claus Costa, and aligning the senior and youth squads under a unified vision.
