Bayer 04 commit to continuity: contracts with Carro and Rolfes extended ahead of schedule

Werner Wenning, Chair of the Bayer 04 Shareholders’ Committee: “Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes have done an outstanding job in developing Bayer 04 over recent years. The greatest sporting successes in our club’s history are just as much the result of their work as the sustainable development of the club as a whole. That is why our aim is to continue this successful collaboration in this configuration in the years ahead. Both men embody competence, reliability and continuity – and are committed to driving Bayer 04 forward on a long-term basis and at the very highest level.”

Fernando Carro, CEO at Bayer 04: “I am delighted by the confidence shown in me by the Shareholders’ Committee. Bayer 04 has developed very well in recent years. We can be proud of that. At the same time, we want to – and will – remain hungry for success. Our aim remains to continuously improve at all levels and thereby lay the foundations for continuing to compete for titles both nationally and internationally in the future.”

Simon Rolfes, managing director sport at Bayer 04: “Bayer 04 has been my sporting home for many years. This contract extension therefore means a great deal to me. Together, we have laid a strong foundation that we intend to continue to build on. Our aim is to position Bayer 04 as an organisation in such a way that we can regularly compete with the best teams in Europe and challenge for the greatest sporting honours. To this end, we will continue to work with passion and total commitment in the future.”

Fernando Carro has been at the helm of Bayer 04’s management since July 2018. Before starting at Leverkusen, the Spanish-born executive spent nearly 25 years in various international management roles within the Bertelsmann Group. He is also currently involved in leading bodies in national and European professional football.

Simon Rolfes has been a member of the Bayer 04 management team since 2022. Following his ten-year professional career in Leverkusen, the former Werkself captain and Germany international first took on the role of sporting director in 2018, before being appointed managing director sport. Together, Carro and Rolfes have now been shaping the club’s development for eight years, a journey that reached its sporting peak to date in 2024 with the club winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double, as well as reaching the UEFA Europa League final.