SOCCER: Swiss Haenni takes over RB Leipzig as first female CEO of a Bundesliga club

Tatjana Haenni has made history by becoming the first female CEO of a Bundesliga club after her appointment at RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The former Switzerland international brings decades of experience in football administration, particularly in women’s football.

Haenni’s career includes leadership roles at FIFA, where she worked for over a decade, as well as positions with the Swiss Football Association and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. She stepped down from her previous role earlier this year.

"In our discussions, she impressed us and the committees with her expertise, as well as her combination of specialist knowledge, leadership strength and strategic thinking," said Oliver Mintzlaff, chair of RB Leipzig’s supervisory board, in a club statement.

The 59-year-old will officially take up her role on January 1, 2026. RB Leipzig, owned by energy drink company Red Bull, currently sit in second place in the Bundesliga, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The league will go on a winter break from December 21 to January 9.

Haenni expressed excitement about her new role, saying, "I am very much looking forward to this new role. I am convinced that with strong teamwork and a focus on RB Leipzig’s strengths, we can tap into significant potential."

She added, "I can’t wait to get started in January and to get to know the club on a deeper level. Together, we want to continue on what is already a successful path and achieve our ambitious goals." -Karolos Grohmann/Reuters