Hans-Joachim Watzke

The architect of BVB's financial rescue and long-term stability.

Hans-Joachim "Aki" Watzke is the defining executive figure in Borussia Dortmund's recent history. Born in Marsberg, he joined the club as a member in 1996 and rose from treasurer to serve as CEO from 2005 until 2025. During his tenure, he saved the club from bankruptcy alongside Reinhard Rauball and Thomas Treß by implementing strict cost-cutting measures, including a 20% pay cut for all players. He also oversaw the renaming of the Westfalenstadion to "Signal Iduna Park" in 2006 to reduce debt. Since November 2025, he has served as the club's elected president.

Quick Facts

Role: CEO (2005-2025), President (since November 2025)
Affiliation: Borussia Dortmund
Joined club: 1996
Status: President since November 2025
Background: Member since 1996; Treasurer from 2001

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.

Reader's Guide

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.