NWSL Exec Becomes First Woman CEO in Bundesliga

RB Leipzig has appointed Tatjana Haenni as its new chief executive officer, a historic move that makes her the first woman to lead a German Bundesliga club. Haenni, 59, will officially assume her duties on January 1, filling the vacancy left by Oliver Mintzlaff in November 2022. Her leadership will be instrumental as she joins the management board alongside other key executives.

Haenni departs from her role as chief sporting director at the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), a position she held since 2022. In that capacity, she was instrumental in developing sporting strategies and enhancing the league's profile. Her background also includes significant contributions to international football, with prior administrative and executive roles at UEFA, FIFA, and the Swiss Football Association, following a career as a Swiss international player.

Her appointment is being hailed as a trailblazing moment, given the predominantly male composition of boardrooms in German football. Officials expressed confidence in Haenni's expertise, leadership, and strategic vision, anticipating her significant impact on RB Leipzig's future. This historic decision underscores a progressive shift in the sport's executive landscape.