The executive committee of the advisory board of Borussia Dortmund Geschäftsführungs-GmbH, chaired by BVB president Dr Reinhold Lunow, has decided to extend the contracts of managing directors Thomas Tress and Carsten Cramer, which were set to expire on 30 June 2025, until 30 June 2027.

"In light of Hans-Joachim Watzke's departure from the management board at the end of 2025, it was important for us to ensure continuity and stability at the management level early on. With this in mind, we are delighted that we have succeeded in retaining two managing directors in Thomas Tress and Carsten Cramer, who have been highly regarded for their first-class work at BVB for many years, both nationally and internationally," emphasised Dr Reinhold Lunow.

Tress will continue to be responsible for the corporate and business divisions of finance, organisation and legal & investor relations, while Cramer will remain in charge of sales & marketing, internationalisation and digitalisation. Hans-Joachim Watzke (chief executive officer) had already announced in January of this year that he intended to relinquish his responsibility on the sporting side of things in summer 2024. Until his departure from the executive board at the end of next year, he will continue to be responsible for the business and corporate divisions of human resources, communication and strategy.

"I would like to thank those responsible on the executive committee for the trust they have placed in me. After 19 years at BVB, I see this as a great sign of appreciation for my work. It is a privilege for a qualified auditor like me, who has practised this profession for 13 years, to be able to connect my professional expertise with the emotions of the fans. Borussia Dortmund is now an important part of the lives of around 50 million people worldwide. To be able to continue to serve this extraordinary club, its employees, members, fans and shareholders fills me with pride," says Thomas Tress.

Carsten Cramer emphasises: "First of all, I am very pleased that we will enter the foreseeable future in the proven set-up that has been in place for many years. Together as a BVB family, we have celebrated sporting highlights and overcome bitter defeats in recent years. We have overcome the Coronavirus crisis and have always emerged stronger from situations that would have pushed other clubs to their limits. Borussia Dortmund have long been a constant presence at the top table in Europe. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to contribute to and participate in the development of our club."