Lars Ricken will become Managing Director of Sports at Borussia Dortmund, taking over part of Hans-Joachim Watzke’s previous tasks. The 47-year-old former German international will receive a contract in his new role from May 1st until June 30th, 2027, as BVB announced on Monday.
Sven Mislintat will also be involved in the new sporting leadership. The 51-year-old should focus on squad planning. Sebastian Kehl will initially remain sports director.
Sebastian Kehl’s future in Dortmund remains open
Ricken most recently worked as director of the youth performance center in Dortmund. “I am very pleased that Lars Ricken is taking over the position of managing director for the sporting area,” said Watzke, chairman of the board at BVB: “I am sure that Borussia Dortmund with the managing directors Thomas Treß, Carsten Cramer and Lars Ricken will too will be in a first-class professional position in the future.”
Treß and Cramer extended their contracts until June 30, 2027. Watzke will leave the management at his own request at the end of 2025. Until then, the 64-year-old will continue to be responsible for the business and corporate areas of human resources, communications and strategy.
The future of Kehl, who was also considered Watzke’s successor in Dortmund, remains open. “Lars Ricken will begin discussions in the summer regarding a possible contract extension for Sebastian Kehl,” the club said in a statement.