Hans-Joachim Watzke

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Lore & Background

Watzke's impact began when he became treasurer in 2001, but his defining moment arrived in 2005 at the height of a severe financial crisis. Appointed CEO, he restructured the club with rigorous financial planning. Alongside chairman Reinhard Rauball and CFO Thomas Treß, he steered Borussia Dortmund away from bankruptcy. A critical turning point was applying a uniform 20% pay cut to all players to stabilize wages. To further reduce debt, the iconic Westfalenstadion was renamed "Signal Iduna Park" in 2006 after securing a naming rights agreement with a local insurance company that runs until 2031. Before his football career took this shape, Watzke founded Watex, a safety clothing firm that grew to employ 45 people and generate €15–20 million in sales. His administrative reach expanded beyond the club; he was elected first vice-president of the German Football Association (DFB) on 14 December 2021, appointed chairman of Die Liga – Fußballverband's Supervisory Board in February 2022, and joined the UEFA Executive Committee on 5 April 2023.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere shifted dramatically in 2005 when Watzke took the helm as CEO. The club faced imminent bankruptcy, requiring immediate and painful decisions. He did not shy away from these challenges, working alongside Reinhard Rauball and Thomas Treß to implement a clear financial plan that saved the organization. One of his most visible structural changes occurred in 2006 when the Westfalenstadion was renamed "Signal Iduna Park," a move essential for debt reduction through a long-term agreement with an insurance company. His leadership style combined strict discipline with strategic vision; he ensured every player accepted a 20% pay cut to balance the books. In 2024, it was announced that his time as CEO would conclude in 2025, with Lars Ricken named as his replacement. True to form, Watzke transitioned into the role of elected president in November 2025, continuing his stewardship of the club he has supported since becoming a member in 1996.

Reader's Guide

Hans-Joachim "Aki" Watzke's career at Borussia Dortmund is a case study in financial rescue and structural reform. He joined the club as a member in 1996 after watching games at Rote Erde as a child. In 2001, he became treasurer, and by 2005, during a critical financial crisis, he was appointed CEO. His tenure is defined by the successful avoidance of bankruptcy through strict cost-cutting, most notably a 20% salary reduction for all players. A major milestone was the 2006 renaming of the Westfalenstadion to "Signal Iduna Park," which secured funding via a naming rights deal valid until 2031. In his administrative roles, he held positions at the DFB and UEFA, including becoming a UEFA Executive Committee member on 5 April 2023. His leadership concluded as CEO in 2025 with Lars Ricken taking over, though Watzke assumed the presidency of the club in November 2025. Outside football, he holds an MBA from Paderborn University and previously ran Watex, a safety clothing company with sales between €15–20 million.

Did You Know?

• Watzke was appointed CEO in 2005 specifically at the height of the club's financial crisis.
• To reduce debt, the Westfalenstadion was renamed "Signal Iduna Park" in 2006 with a naming rights agreement running until 2031.
• As part of restructuring efforts, Watzke implemented a strict 20% pay cut for all players.
• He founded Watex, a safety clothing company that employed 45 people and achieved sales of €15–20 million.
• Watzke succeeded as Borussia Dortmund's elected president in November 2025 after stepping down as CEO.