Tatjana Haenni: RB Leipzig Appoints First-Ever Female CEO

Meet Tatjana Haenni, Bundesliga's first female CEO

Tatjana Haenni breaks ground as RB Leipzig's new CEO. Former Switzerland international and FIFA executive Tatjana Haenni appointed as RB Leipzig's new CEO, effective January 1, 2026.

“In our discussions, she impressed us and the committees with her expertise, as well as her combination of specialist...”

Tatjana Haenni has made history as the first female CEO of a Bundesliga club, taking the reins at RB Leipzig. The former Switzerland international brings decades of experience in football administration, having worked with FIFA and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the US.

Haenni's appointment marks a significant milestone for women's leadership in German football. With her extensive background in women's football, she's well-positioned to drive success at RB Leipzig, currently sitting second in the Bundesliga. Haenni starts her new role on January 1, 2026, and is eager to get started, saying, “I am very much looking forward to this new role... we can tap into significant potential.”

Tatjana Haenni, a former Swiss national team player, has been appointed as the new CEO of RB Leipzig, making her the first female CEO of a Bundesliga club. She has an impressive background, having led women's football at the Swiss Football Association and served as sports director at the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States.

RB Leipzig appoint Tatjana Haenni as the club's new CEO

The 59-year-old will take up her new role as CEO of RB Leipzig on 1st January 2026. As part of the new structure, Johann Plenge will take on further responsibilities.

The Red Bulls have filled the CEO position left vacant… pic.twitter.com/8aSHo1NLmT

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) December 10, 2025

Oliver Mintzlaff, chair of RB Leipzig's supervisory board, praised Haenni's expertise and leadership skills, saying, “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.” Haenni will officially take over her new role on January 1, 2026, and expressed her excitement about joining RB Leipzig, stating, “I can’t wait to get started in January and to get to know the club on a deeper level.”

RB Leipzig, owned by energy drink giant Red Bull, are currently sitting pretty in second place in the Bundesliga, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga is taking a breather, with a winter break kicking off on December 21 and wrapping up on January 9. Exciting times ahead for Leipzig, especially with Tatjana Haenni set to take the helm as CEO on January 1, 2026.