Andreas Rettig (60), a seasoned sports director with a history at Bundesliga clubs, assumed the role of Executive Director at the German Football Association (DFB) on Friday.
He succeeded Oliver Bierhoff (55), who resigned following Germany’s unexpected early exit from the World Cup last year.
Germany, a four-time World Cup champion and the host of Euro 2024 next year, has been experiencing one of its worst runs in decades.
Their recent friendly international against France, which they won 2-1 on Tuesday, marked only their fifth victory in the last 18 matches. This victory came just two days after the dismissal of coach Hansi Flick.
Bierhoff had tendered his resignation in December, shortly after Germany’s second consecutive group stage exit at the World Cup.
Rettig, who will oversee the national team and the DFB academy, brings a wealth of experience from his roles at various Bundesliga clubs. He also served as the Chief Executive of the German Football League, responsible for the top two divisions, from 2013 to 2015.
“I look forward to the challenges,” Rettig said in a statement. “(The national teams) are shaped by great successes and currently have problems.
“I want to contribute towards making future successes possible again and to improve the direction of the DFB and the performance of its teams in every way.”
Germany dismissed Flick after their 4-1 defeat at home against Japan last week.
Rudi Voeller, the former national team coach and current DFB official, stepped in to manage the team for the game against France.
The DFB has announced that they will reveal Flick’s successor in the coming weeks, ahead of Germany’s scheduled trip to the United States in October.