Tatjana Haenni will lead RB Leipzig from January 2024. She brings strong experience in women's football to the role.
RB Leipzig has named Tatjana Haenni as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2024. The CEO position has been vacant since November 2022 after Oliver Mintzlaff left the role. The announcement was made during the opening of the club's new office, surprising many present.
Tatjana Haenni, aged 59, has a rich history in football management. She led the women's football department at the Swiss Football Association and became its director in 2022, the first woman to join the association's management team.
Haenni has worked with major football organizations including UEFA and FIFA. She played a key role in organizing the Women's World Cups in 2011 and 2015. Most recently, she was Sporting Director of the National Women's Soccer League in the USA but left due to disagreements over the league's direction.
Haenni is excited to join RB Leipzig and wants to bring fresh ideas and energy to the club. She highlights the importance of teamwork and growth. Johann Plenge, the current Chairman, will become Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, focusing on league matters nationally and internationally.
Haenni strongly supports women's football as a distinct sport with its own audience. She believes investing in women's teams can improve a club's image and attract sponsors. She has criticized the lower investment in women's football compared to men's and calls for change.
