Borussia Dortmund has confirmed the contract extensions of three key executives, marking a significant consolidation of the club’s leadership team. Carsten Cramer has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board, stepping into a role that had remained vacant since Hans-Joachim Watzke transitioned to the club’s presidency in November 2025.
Leadership restructuring and contract extensions
The Bundesliga club announced on Monday that it has secured the long-term commitments of Carsten Cramer, Lars Ricken, and Thomas Treß. Cramer, who is responsible for marketing and communication, will take on the chairmanship with immediate effect. His tenure has been extended through June 30, 2031.
Lars Ricken, serving as the Managing Director for Sport, has signed a contract extension running until June 30, 2030. Thomas Treß, responsible for the club’s financial operations, is contracted until June 30, 2028, at which point he is scheduled to depart from his role. Svenja Schlenker, who manages human resources, remains under contract until June 30, 2028, completing the four-member executive board.
Strategic vision for the future
BVB President Hans-Joachim Watzke expressed his confidence in the current leadership structure, noting that the board possesses the necessary expertise and alignment with the club’s identity to guide it through upcoming challenges. Watzke stated that the implementation of a new corporate strategy and ongoing structural reforms are designed to ensure the club remains competitive across sporting, economic, and cultural dimensions.
Cramer, who served as the speaker for the board following Watzke’s departure from the executive role last year, emphasized a commitment to stability and clear values. He noted that the primary goal for his team is to maintain the club’s economic health while continuing to drive its sporting success.
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Sporting momentum and upcoming challenges
The leadership changes arrive during a period of positive momentum for the club on the pitch. Under the guidance of Lars Ricken and Sporting Director Ole Book, the team has undergone a significant roster overhaul. Recent acquisitions, including the creative 18-year-old midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas and defender Joane Gadou, have been credited with elevating the squad’s performance levels early in the season.
Despite the optimism surrounding the current squad, the club faces a rigorous schedule following the international break. Borussia Dortmund is set to host Werder Bremen on October 9, followed by a high-stakes match against Bayern Munich three weeks later. The club continues to pursue its first major title since winning the DFB-Pokal in 2021.
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