Bayern Munich have once again flexed their off-the-pitch muscle by confirming the appointment of Rouven Kasper as their new board member for marketing and sales. The 43-year-old, who previously served as a member of VfB Stuttgart’s board, will officially take up his post on January 1, 2026.
For Kasper, this move is something of a homecoming. The sports economist spent five years at Bayern between 2016 and 2021, most notably as President Asia, where he was instrumental in expanding the club’s footprint across the Asia-Pacific region. He later joined Stuttgart, helping reshape the club’s commercial direction, before Bayern swooped back in to reclaim one of their trusted minds.
Club president Herbert Hainer hailed Kasper’s return as a significant coup: “We are delighted to welcome such a strong addition with international experience in a strategically important area. Rouven Kasper knows our club well and will help us achieve our ambitious goals in marketing and sales.”
Kasper himself struck an enthusiastic tone, underlining both the honor and the responsibility of the role: “This great job is both an honour and an incentive for me. Our common goal is to tirelessly work on FC Bayern’s further development. Together, we must continue to increase our appeal as a global club with Bavarian roots while laying the foundations for sporting and economic success.”
The timing of the appointment feels deliberate. Bayern’s hierarchy, led by Max Eberl and Vincent Kompany on the sporting side, has been keen to balance on-field dominance with strategic off-field growth. With the Allianz Arena expanding its global partnerships and Bayern’s brand continuing to surge worldwide, Kasper’s expertise could not arrive at a better moment.
Behind the scenes, this deal required careful negotiation. Kasper was still under contract with VfB Stuttgart until 2028, and Bayern were required to reach a compensation agreement. According to German outlet Kicker, talks between Hainer and Stuttgart president Dietmar Allgaier were “constructive and trusting,” allowing a smooth conclusion.
Now, as Bayern chase silverware on the pitch and renewed commercial strength off it, Kasper’s arrival signals intent. It is a reminder that at Säbener Straße, every appointment — whether player or executive — is designed to keep Bayern Munich at the pinnacle of European football and global business alike.
