VfB CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger has informed the VfB Stuttgart 1893 AG supervisory board that he will not extend his contract once it expires in autumn 2022. VfB accept this decision with great regret, but fully respect it. Both the supervisory board and Hitzlsperger have reiterated that the decision not to extend his contract will have no ramifications on the current working relationship. At the request of the supervisory board, Hitzlsperger will remain in office until the end of his contract, and will also be involved in the search for and onboarding of a successor.
Claus Vogt, President and chairman of VfB’s supervisory board, said: “We regret that Thomas does not want to continue his work for our VfB beyond the agreed contract period. Thomas is doing a great job as the head of our club. Under his leadership, VfB have developed very well on the pitch, become more professional and maintained the profile of a club that stands for and openly represents social values such as tolerance and sustainability. For this, we and I personally are grateful to him. There is no doubt among the supervisory board that he should continue in his role until the end of his contract.”
Thomas Hitzlsperger said: “It wasn’t an easy decision because VfB means so much to me. I’ve had many wonderful moments at this club and with the people who work here. After I took over as CEO in October 2019, we set the course for a successful path together with great commitment and team spirit. The new structures and processes make VfB leaner, faster and more robust. The focus is now back on the players and their development. After careful consideration I would like to make way for a new CEO in autumn 2022. I feel a great sense of gratitude for the years we have spent together and I will remain emotionally close to VfB in the future. And together with our team, I will give everything for VfB until my last day in this job.”