Michael Welling

Background

About Michael Welling

My name is Dr. Michael Welling, and I serve as the CEO of VfL Osnabrück, culminating a career spanning over two decades in football (in the u.s. term: soccer) industry. Founded in 1899, VfL Osnabrück is a storied football club recently relegated from the 2nd to the 3rd professional league in Germany. My own journey in football began early, rooted in a family deeply passionate about the sport - my mother was a trailblazer on the pitch, and my father was her dedicated coach. Naturally, I was kicking a ball before I could walk. After completing my Abitur in 1991, I pursued Business and Economics at Ruhr-University Bochum, graduating in 1998. My professional adventure started at adidas International, working as a Footwear Operations Controller in both Germany and the USA. The allure of academia soon pulled me back, leading to a Ph.D. with a dissertation on the "Economics of Brands." Post-doctorate, my career shifted gears as I joined VfL Bochum, blending business acumen with my football passion. This role led to a pivotal position at Sportfive International, where I excelled as Vice President of Rights Acquisition and Portfolio Management. In 2010, I took on the role of CEO at Rot-Weiss Essen, navigating substantial restructuring, achieving promotion to the 4th division, and leading ambitious stadium redevelopment projects. Concurrently, I embraced academia, becoming a Professor of Sports Management at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences. Later, I transitioned to 1. FSV Mainz 05 as Director of Marketing & Sales, refining my expertise in sports business management. This journey led me to VfL Osnabrück in February 2021, where we initiated a new strategic pathway and a coherent brand identity approach. Outside the office, I used to backpack around the world off the beaten track. Now, as a father, I cherish time with my wonderful wife and two children, who amusingly have little interest in football. Their indifference provides a perfect balance, allowing me to unwind and explore other facets of life.