Markus Kraetschmerone of the most famous faces in Austrian sports management, talks to Simon-Peter Charamza and Lorenz Kirchschlager in KaffeehausTALK about his time at FK Austria Wien and the impact it had on his subsequent independence.
Although Markus Kraetschmer was discovered by scouts from Austria “a” at the age of 8 in Modena Park in the 3rd district of Vienna while playing kicks in a cage, Markus Kraetschmer was denied a sports career for family reasons. However, he fulfilled his dream of the football business. Kraetschmer now has over 25 years of experience in sports management and has held senior positions in football for almost 24 years. He was the CEO of FK Austria Wien, the supervisory bodies of the Austrian Football Bundesliga and the ÖFB, and the club’s representative in the ECA (European Club Association). In the 62nd episode of KaffeehausTALK, Kraetschmer tells many stories, insights and anecdotes about Frank Stronach, Rising Stars, the anthem of the Champions League and Muster-Faust, as well as the search for investors and his last months in Austria.
Markus Kraetschmer now brings together his wealth of experience from club management, looking for investors, funding forms and ESG/CSR projects in his own company MK Consulting and several corporate investments. As a management consultant with a focus on sports consultancy, he now covers a comprehensive repertoire that goes far beyond football. KaffeehausTALK listeners get exciting insights on what matters in consulting and investments, why India is the future market for sports business, how the American NFL affects the European Football League (ELF), how networks open sports doors and currently led. to the United Arab Emirates and the German pension business.
What are the key challenges faced by sports managers in transforming club culture?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Markus Kraetschmer
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Markus! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your journey in Austrian sports management, especially with FK Austria Wien, has been quite remarkable. To start, can you share a bit about your time at FK Austria Wien and what you believe were the pivotal moments during your tenure?
Markus Kraetschmer: Thank you for having me! My time at FK Austria Wien was incredibly formative. I started my career with a deep passion for the sport and a desire to make a difference. One pivotal moment for me was when we successfully restructured the club’s operations, allowing us to focus not just on immediate results, but also on long-term sustainability. It was challenging, but it laid the groundwork for the club’s future.
Time.news Editor: Restructuring can be quite daunting. What were some of the key challenges you faced during this time, and how did you overcome them?
Markus Kraetschmer: One of the biggest challenges was changing the culture within the club. There was a lot of resistance to change, as many people were comfortable with the status quo. I had to work hard to communicate the vision and get buy-in from both staff and fans. By sharing transparent communication and showing the potential benefits of our plans, we slowly began to shift perspectives.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a significant undertaking! How did your experiences at FK Austria Wien shape your approach and philosophy in your later ventures?
Markus Kraetschmer: It truly shaped my independence as a professional. I learned the importance of clear vision and strategic planning, which I carried forward in my future projects. I also understood the value of agility in decision-making; the sports landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to adapt quickly. These lessons became foundational as I ventured into more independent management roles.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of independence, how has the journey from being at a major club like FK Austria Wien to exploring independent projects impacted your career?
Markus Kraetschmer: Transitioning to independence has provided me with the freedom to explore innovative ideas without the constraints often faced in larger organizations. It has been invigorating to take calculated risks and collaborate with diverse teams across different sectors of sports management. It’s a rewarding challenge to foster new talent and initiatives from the ground up.
Time.news Editor: That certainly sounds fulfilling! As a face of Austrian sports management, what do you believe is the future for clubs in Austria? Do you see changes happening in the structure or management approach?
Markus Kraetschmer: Absolutely! There’s a growing trend towards more data-driven decision-making and enhanced fan engagement strategies. Clubs that are willing to evolve will not only improve performance on the pitch but also build a stronger community off of it. I foresee a greater emphasis on youth development and digital innovation in how clubs connect with their fans and manage operations.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead for Austrian sports! Before we wrap up, Markus, what advice would you give to those who aspire to follow in your footsteps in sports management?
Markus Kraetschmer: Follow your passion and be persistent. The road won’t always be easy, but if you’re driven by a genuine love for the sport and are willing to learn from both successes and failures, you’ll find your way. Build a network of mentors and peers who can support you; collaboration is key in our industry.
Time.news Editor: Wise words, Markus! Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us today. We look forward to seeing how your journey continues to unfold in the world of sports management.
Markus Kraetschmer: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these topics with you.