Hans-Joachim Watzke

Hans-Joachim Watzke was born on 21 June 1959 in Marsberg (Hochsauerlandkreis). After obtaining his school leaving certificate in 1978, he earned a degree in Business Management from the University of Paderborn. In 1990 he founded his own company, Watex Schutz-Bekleidungs GmbH, which has now become established as one of the leading manufacturers of protective clothing on the German market. The company employs around 600 people across its four production sites.

As the chief executive of Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA, Watzke played a crucial role in preventing the imminent insolvency of the storied football club almost 20 years ago. Under his leadership, BVB have enjoyed a period of great success: the club won the Bundesliga in 2011 and 2012, lifted the DFB Cup in 2012, 2017 and 2021, and reached the final of the world’s largest club competition, the UEFA Champions League, in 2013 and 2024. The 2024/25 season will be the 19th time overall – and the 9th time in a row – that BVB have played in the UEFA Champions League, a level of consistency only beaten by four clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Watzke, a lifelong BVB fan, was elected treasurer of BV Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund in November 2001, and on 11 February 2005 he took over the management of the spun-off company Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA. Since December 2021, Watzke has also been the chairman of the supervisory board of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH, spokesperson of the presidium, and first vice president of the German Football Association. He has also represented German football internationally as a member of the UEFA Executive Committee since April 2023. At the end of next year, Hans-Joachim Watzke will step down from his position as Borussia Dortmund chief executive.