Olympic Champion Laura Ludwig Aims for HSV Presidency

Following the announced resignation of HSV President Marcell Jansen, notable figures are stepping forward to vie for his position. According to media reports, entrepreneur Frank Ockens, supervisory board member Ralph Hartmann, and Olympic beach volleyball champion Laura Ludwig are set to run together for a place in the Hamburg SV presidency.

Ludwig, who won Olympic gold in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro alongside Kira Walkenhorst, is expected to take charge of the sports division within the trio. Ockens is campaigning for the presidency, while Hartmann aims to reclaim the role of treasurer, a position he previously held under former president Jens Meier from 2015 to 2018. However, it remains uncertain whether a team can run together, as the HSV statutes do not currently allow for this.

Additional Candidates Until Early May

Kai Esselgroth, the chairman of the HSV honorary council, has already officially announced his candidacy. Additionally, it is anticipated that supervisory board chairman and vice president Michael Papenfuß will also enter the race for Jansen’s succession. The successor to the former national player Jansen will be elected at the members‘ meeting on June 21. Candidates have until May 2 to submit their applications.

Jansen has been the president of the traditional club since 2019 but has faced criticism for some time. In 2023, he survived a vote of no confidence during the members‘ meeting.