About Me
My story
Today
After more than two decades in CEO and leadership roles in professional sport and, most recently, industry, my focus today is again on long-term leadership tasks at C-level. In my previous roles I have led organisations through growth, transformation, and strategic development—with particular emphasis on commercial development, internationalisation, and sustainable structures. I am interested in leadership roles where I can apply this experience to develop organisations further, empower people, and shape long-term entrepreneurial success.
2025
After almost ten years as CEO of BSC Young Boys, I consciously chose a new chapter in 2024. After two decades in professional sport I wanted to bring my leadership experience into an industrial setting and gain new perspectives as an entrepreneur.
In 2025 I took on the role of CEO of Riwax Group, an established Swiss manufacturer of speciality vehicle-care products with an international presence. The role allowed me to transfer my experience in strategy, organisation, and growth into an industrial context and sharpen my entrepreneurial view further.
2021
For three decades I carried a trauma with me—the one José Mari Bakero inflicted on me at the Betzenberg in 1991, when his stoppage-time header denied 1. FC Kaiserslautern a place in the UEFA Champions League because of the away-goals rule. From that moment on I felt that rule was deeply unfair. Thirty years later, as a board member of the European Club Association (ECA), I took the initiative: I tabled the decisive motion, lobbied in several UEFA bodies, and helped spark the process that finally abolished the rule.
2019
As a pedestrian I was hit hard by a car. Almost miraculously I was barely injured. More than that: I met my wife Julia, the mother of our children—she was my nurse. That time confirmed for me that attitude matters. It helped me manage the move to YB after an unexpected dismissal in 2014, and later to get through a painful divorce.
2016
A little over a year after joining as head of commercial, I was appointed CEO of BSC Young Boys—the start of a wonderful journey through the most successful era in the club’s more than 125-year history. Together with a fantastic team I experienced six league titles, two cup wins, and three UEFA Champions League campaigns, and helped take the club commercially to a new level. I will never forget 28 April 2018—a day I will always carry in my heart.
2014
As deputy managing director of InfrontRingier I led hospitality sales for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for the Swiss market. That time was a professional and personal highlight—I attended seven matches live, including Germany’s unforgettable 7–1 win over Brazil and the final victory over Argentina in the legendary Maracanã.
2005
After graduation my path took me to Bern, where I started as a trainee at IMS Sport AG. Soon I took on responsibility as sales director for the SCB ice hockey mandate—my first formative experience in sales and leadership.
2003/2004
During a year abroad at Athens University of Economics & Business I worked at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens as a volunteer and press interface officer.
1991
As a teenager I discovered my passion for football—and especially for 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The title under Kalli Feldkamp, but above all the epic defeat in Champions League qualifying against FC Barcelona (because of the away-goals rule—see also 2021), left a lasting mark on me.
1981
I grew up in Kaiserslautern as one of five children with a wonderful childhood. My parents were and are my greatest role models.
28.09.1977
Born in Bonn, Germany. Dual citizen of Switzerland and Germany.
Career
Publications & engagement
Book: CRM im Sport – How the club wins the customer (VDM Verlag)
Book on Amazon
Charity: Founder of Charity Circle – infrastructure projects for children in health and education
www.charitycircle.me