June 2 – Oliver Kahn will succeed longstanding Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge at the end of the season, the German club have confirmed.
Rummenigge has been a strongman at the German giants for 30 years, but the arrival of his successor Kahn (pictured) should represent a new dawn for Bayern Munich, with the club also welcoming Julian Nagelsmann as new head coach for next season.
The current chairman had been due to see out his contract which expires at the end of 2021, but is leaving six months early to meet the end of the financial year on 30 June. “It is strategically the most sensible and logical point in time,” said Rummenigge, who has been grooming Kahn for takeover.
“We are reaching the end of the financial year, and at the same time a new phase with a new coaching team is beginning. It is a farewell with satisfaction and pride. That was important to me.”
In 1991, Rummenigge became a vice-president at the club. Eleven years, he chaired Bayern Munich. He has been part of one of the most successful eras for the club, with Bayern cementing their domestic dominance in the form of 19 Bundesliga titles and conquering Europe three times. Bayern won the Champions League in 2001, 2013 and 2020. The club also grew financially, with revenues increased from €176 million to €679 million.
Kahn however will have his work cut out after a turbulent season at the Allianz Arena. Bayern exited the Champions League in the last eight and coach Hansi Flick departed to succeed Joachim Low at the national team. The former goalkeeper has held a role on the board since 2020 to prepare him for the presidency.
“As chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has done great work for Bayern for over 20 years,” said Kahn. “During this time, the club has won everything there was to win – you can’t rate his services to Bayern highly enough. The time has now come for me to take on responsibility at the top of Bayern Munich.
“In the past 18 months, I have got to know all facets of the club. I know what challenges we are facing. I am aware of the task and I am very much looking forward to it.”
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