Roger Hampel
In a move demonstrating strategic insight and planning, FC Schalke 04 has appointed Matthias Tillmann as the future Chairman and Spokesman of the Board, effective from January 1st, 2024. At a mere 39, Tillmann will shoulder crucial strategic responsibilities across various departments within the club, including Sales, Marketing, Communication, Digital initiatives, Fan Engagements & Sustainability, and also Events & Security.
Axel Hefer, the present Chairman of the Supervisory Board, expressed staunch confidence in Tillmann's ability to navigate the club through its multifaceted development, underscoring his wide-ranging expertise in pivotal areas such as Finance, Strategy, and Marketing. Tillmann's management of international sponsoring budgets in the substantial double-digit million range and his considerable experience in software development and content production were highlighted as particularly noteworthy.
Tillmann, familiar with the club’s environment and a Schalke enthusiast since his youth who has also played football at a high level, expressed gratitude for the confidence the Supervisory Board has placed in him. He acknowledged the challenging era through which the club is moving, where pivotal decisions, both in sports and economy, are crucial.
Sport, indubitably the core focus of the club, will be a key area in Tillmann's agenda. With aspirations to guide Schalke 04 back into the Bundesliga in the medium term, he is eager to dive into analysis and insights from the new Head Coach, Karel Geraerts, and stressed the importance of evaluating existing structures and making critical sporting decisions.
Sponsorship will also be a significant area of focus for Tillmann, especially focusing on sales and sponsorship activities. Following the major main sponsor change in spring 2021, dynamism in this area is paramount, ensuring that Schalke’s robust and emotional brand is effectively positioned and marketed.
Collaboration at the Head Office forms the third pillar within Tillmann’s agenda. He emphasized the need to establish clear mutual expectations and collectively devote every effort to Schalke. As the Chairman of the Board, he commits to leading from the front and being accountable through the results.
Tillmann, possessing a background in economic studies and having demonstrated proficiency in managing areas such as Finance and Marketing, particularly in his role on the board at trivago, and leading the company through the pandemic with Axel Hefer, brings a rich tapestry of professional experiences to the role. With previous experience as an Investment Banker at Deutsche Bank, his journey is well-marked with substantial and varied professional endeavors.
As FC Schalke 04 embarks on this new chapter with Matthias Tillmann at the helm, the club seeks to blend its rich tradition with strategic, innovative strategies. Tillmann’s expertise in numerous domains, his sports acumen, and childhood affiliation with the club converge to form a synergy that might potentially navigate Schalke through these challenging times, propelling it towards a future marked by success, stability, and sustainability.
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