Krüger combines "sporting expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills, and will take on overall responsibility for HSV’s sporting operations," said supervisory board chairman Michael Papenfuß.
Krüger will lead Hamburger SV on an operational level alongside Eric Huwer, who is responsible for finances, among other things. At industry leader Bayern München, she made a name for herself as team manager after her playing career and most recently worked as head of organization and infrastructure at the record champions.
Krüger’s move to HSV, who secured Bundesliga survival before the final matchday after promotion and aim to establish themselves long-term in the top flight, had already been anticipated in recent days.
Costa and Kehl miss out
Previously, there had been public discussion about a possible promotion for squad planner Claus Costa as well as the name of former BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl – but the decision went in favor of Krüger.
“It is a real privilege to help shape Hamburger SV, one of the great names in German football, in a decisive sporting role going forward,” said Krüger. “I have followed the club’s positive development in recent years with great interest and high regard for what has been achieved lately.”
A woman at the top is nothing new
A woman in a board position at the traditional club is not unprecedented: Katja Kraus was part of the Rothosen’s executive team from 2003 to 2011, becoming the first woman on the board of a Bundesliga club at the time.
Stefan Kuntz left his position at HSV at the start of the year. The separation was followed by considerable controversy. Now, Krüger is expected to provide key impetus for the ambitious Hamburg club’s continued development.