Karl-Heinz Rummenigge brings forward Bayern Munich departure date to this month

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge brings forward his departure date by six months to ensure new season isn’t disrupted as Oliver Kahn now prepares to take over the job NEXT MONTH

  • Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was originally set to leave CEO post at end of the year
  • But he has brought forward his Bayern Munich exit to the end of this month
  • Ex-Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Khan is poised to take over from Rummenigge
  • That transition will now be this summer rather than midway through the season
  • Rummenigge, 65, will serve on UEFA Executive Committee until at least 2024 

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is to leave his post as Bayern Munich’s CEO at the end of this month rather than at the end of the year.   

The 65-year-old will bring forward his departure date in order to avoid next season’s executive leadership being split in two halves.

Former Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is now poised to replace Rummenigge from the start of July.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (right) will hand over to new CEO Oliver Khan (left) at the start of next month as opposed to the end of the year. They are pictured with Bayern’s supervisory board chairman Herbert Hainer 

Rummenigge has been an executive at Bayern for 30 years and is preparing to retire

Rummenigge has been an executive at Bayern for 30 years and is preparing to retire 

Rummenigge, who has been a Bayern executive for 30 years, was originally going to stay in post until December 31 with Kahn then replacing him.

But he has now decided a summer transfer of power would be easier to clarify decision-making ahead of next season.

‘It is the most strategically sensible and logical time,’ said Rummenigge. ‘We’re coming to the end of the financial year, and at the same time a new phase is beginning with a new coaching team. 

‘The new season should be the responsibility of Oliver Kahn as the new CEO right from the start – also in the sense of the people involved and thus in terms of the future of FC Bayern. 

‘I already said two years ago that we were planning a prudent transition, and it is finally being implemented now. That’s how it should be.’ 

Rummenigge presents Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski with his top scorer prize

Rummenigge presents Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski with his top scorer prize 

He added: ‘It’s a farewell filled with satisfaction and pride, I’m able to hand over a club that is completely intact in sporting, economic and structural terms. That was important to me. 

‘I would like to thank so many people whose paths I have crossed at FC Bayern. First and foremost, of course, my colleagues on the board, President Herbert Hainer and our committees, especially the supervisory board. 

‘But also all the employees of FC Bayern and, of course, our fantastic fans. I hope that they will soon be able to support our team in the stadium again. 

‘I sincerely wish FC Bayern the greatest possible success, continued intact values and an unshakeable sense of unity. I never learned Bavarian – but let me say this as a farewell: Mia bleim mia (we stay who we are).’

Bayern lift the Bundesliga trophy after winning their ninth consecutive league championship

Bayern lift the Bundesliga trophy after winning their ninth consecutive league championship

The transition process has already started, with Rummenigge playing a minor role in the negotiations to appoint new manger Julian Nagelsmann.

He will make a clean break with the club and won’t serve on their supervisory board or in any other role. Rummenigge will, however, sit on the UEFA Executive Committee until at least 2024.

Khan, only a member of the club’s board of directors since January last year, has enormous shoes to fill.

Rummenigge has overseen an extraordinary period of dominance which just saw the club win the Bundesliga for the ninth consecutive season.

Rummenigge presents outgoing manager Hansi Flick with a poster celebrating his successes

Rummenigge presents outgoing manager Hansi Flick with a poster celebrating his successes 

Julian Nagelsmann is coming in to replace Flick as manager from the start of next month

Julian Nagelsmann is coming in to replace Flick as manager from the start of next month

They won the Champions League in 2001, 2013 and 2020 as well as a host of other domestic and international honours.

Khan said: ‘Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has done a great job for FC Bayern as CEO for more than 20 years. During this time, the club has won everything there was to win, and his services to FC Bayern cannot be valued highly enough. 

‘Now the time has come for me to take over responsibility at the helm of FC Bayern Munchen AG. In the past 18 months, I have become acquainted with all facets of the club and know very well how FC Bayern works and what challenges lie ahead. 

‘I am aware of the task and the responsibility it entails and am very much looking forward to it.’ 



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