Kathleen Krüger has been appointed as Hamburger SV’s new board member for sport, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 40-year-old will join the 2. Bundesliga side on July 1, leaving her position as head of organisation and infrastructure at Bayern Munich after 17 years with the German champions.
Krüger’s appointment fills the vacancy left by Stefan Kuntz, who departed his role as HSV’s board member for sport in January. The club has been seeking a replacement capable of providing strategic leadership and overseeing the club’s sporting operations.
Hamburger SV supervisory board chairman Michael Papenfuß praised Krüger’s experience and skillset, stating she possesses “exceptional organisational and leadership skills” honed during her extensive tenure at Bayern Munich. He highlighted her ability to navigate the pressures of a top-level football club and her combination of sporting expertise, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
Krüger’s career with Bayern Munich began as a player for their women’s team before transitioning into administrative roles. She has been instrumental in the organisation and infrastructure of one of Europe’s most successful football clubs, gaining valuable insight into the inner workings of elite-level football. Her responsibilities at Bayern included overseeing stadium operations, security, and logistical arrangements.
Speaking about her move to HSV, Krüger expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the future of the historic club. She noted her admiration for the club’s recent progress and her eagerness to collaborate with chief financial officer Eric Huwer and other key personnel to build upon that momentum. Krüger will assume overall responsibility for HSV’s sporting department, working alongside Huwer to shape the club’s strategic direction. This appointment signals HSV’s ambition to establish a strong and stable leadership structure as they pursue promotion back to the Bundesliga.
