Oliver Kahn: "Develop strengths and exploit potential"

Around four weeks ago, FC Bayern won the Champions League and completed the treble in Lisbon. It was the culmination of the record champions' most successful decade to date. Sales and profits also grew continuously - at least until the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic – and with nearly 300,000 members, FC Bayern München eV has more than any other sports club in the world.

Holistic club strategy: "FC Bayern AHEAD"

To cement this moment of success, FC Bayern have set themselves the goal of preparing for the future, to secure these great achievements for the coming decades. Therefore, FC Bayern have launched a cross-club strategy project.

The project is called “FC Bayern AHEAD” and responsibility lies with board member Oliver Kahn. “The FC Bayern AHEAD strategy project is intended to develop FC Bayern's strengths and specifically exploit potential for improvement. We need a holistic club strategy that reduces complexity and provides direction,” explained the designated management board chairman.

Innovation, creativity and strategic objectives

The project began with a two-day workshop led by the project’s steering group. In addition to Kahn, the steering group members are the president and chairman of the supervisory board, Herbert Hainer, the entire board of directors of FC Bayern München AG, including chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and representatives from FC Bayern München eV and Basketball GmbH.

As part of the project, new guidelines will be defined so that the German record champions can face all the challenges in the ever-changing (footballing) world. Last but not least, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that innovation, creativity and strategic objectives are essential to remain a frontrunner.

Tradition is very important at FC Bayern, explained Rummenigge: “But the exciting thing is the future, which needs to be managed. I think it's important to have vision. We will all work together harmoniously and loyally.”

Hainer was impressed with the first steps: “It was a very good, a very constructive start. You can see everyone in the club wants to push the project forwards. It will be our job to continue the tradition of success with the next generation.”

An internal team has been set up to implement “FC Bayern AHEAD”. The employees will work together and incorporate thoughts from fans, partners and external experts.

As part of the new cooperation with SOS Children's Villages, a project called "Arena of Change" will be opened at the FC Bayern Campus: