Hamburger SV are poised to appoint Bayern Munich executive Kathleen Krüger as their new board member for sport, according to multiple reports. The move would see Krüger fill a role left vacant since Stefan Kuntz departed the club under a cloud in January. The HSV supervisory board reportedly backed her appointment at a meeting on Tuesday evening, with a contract expected to be signed shortly ahead of a summer start.
Krüger currently serves as head of organisation and infrastructure at Bayern Munich, one of the most prestigious and well-run clubs in world football. Her expected remit at HSV will see her jointly lead the executive board alongside Eric Huwer, with responsibilities set to include organisation, infrastructure, and corporate communications. According to the reports, the club's sporting director, Claus Costa, will retain control over player transfers and squad planning.
The position has been open for four months following the abrupt exit of former Germany international Stefan Kuntz. Kuntz left the club after allegations of serious misconduct, which he has denied, creating a significant leadership gap in HSV's sporting operations. The club has been seeking a high-calibre replacement to help steer their ongoing bid to return to the Bundesliga, having remained in the 2. Bundesliga since their relegation in 2018.
Krüger's background at Bayern Munich is seen as a major coup for Hamburger SV, bringing expertise from a club renowned for its elite-level structure and operational efficiency. Her experience in overseeing critical behind-the-scenes infrastructure and organisation is expected to be invaluable as HSV continues to build a sustainable project for top-flight football. The move represents a significant career step for Krüger, taking on a broader executive role with a historic club carrying immense expectations.
For Bayern, her departure marks the loss of a key figure in their administrative framework, though the Bundesliga champions have a deep bench of executive talent. For HSV, the appointment signals a desire to modernise and professionalise their off-pitch operations, a factor often cited as crucial for long-term sporting success. The club's fans will hope that Krüger's pedigree can help translate the club's considerable resources and support into a sustained promotion challenge.
