Christoph Ritzkat is to become a shareholder in the Füchse
Christoph Ritzkat, managing partner and CEO of the main and kit sponsor Kieback&Peter, is further expanding his involvement with Füchse Berlin. Since 2023, Füchse Berlin and Kieback&Peter have enjoyed a close working relationship characterised by trust, shared values and a long-term outlook. With Christoph Ritzkat joining the company personally as a partner, the partnership is taking on a new dimension.
Kieback&Peter, the building automation specialist, has been the main sponsor of Füchse Berlin since 2023. From the outset, this partnership has gone beyond mere brand visibility: both parties are united by a commitment to taking responsibility for professional sport, for young talent and for the future of the city of Berlin. Sustainability plays a central role for both parties.
It is this shared ethos that is now prompting Ritzkat to take his next step. Since 2017, he has been steering the fortunes of Kieback&Peter as managing partner and CEO, bringing with him many years of international management experience from renowned family-run businesses. He will now also contribute this experience as a shareholder with the Füchse.
A partnership with a new dimension
Just how close the partnership has become off the court is exemplified by Paul Drux: the club icon has only just completed a one-year traineeship at Kieback&Peter. Another memorable moment was the biggest fan campaign during the HBL home match against THW Kiel, when Drux, Ritzkat and Kieback&Peter transformed the Max-Schmeling-Halle into a green fortress with 9,000 T-shirts. Both sides are also working together in the areas of youth development and education. This is a sign that modern sponsorship today is far more than just a logo on a jersey.
Becoming a shareholder is the next step in a partnership that has developed over many years. At the same time, Christoph Ritzkat will play an even closer role in shaping the future of Füchse Berlin.
Reactions to the new shareholder’s entry
Füchse shareholder Christoph Ritzkat: “Over the past few years, I have witnessed the dedication with which this club operates, whether in sport, youth development or sustainability. It is precisely this approach that I now wish to support as a shareholder. My aim is to help the Füchse become one of Europe’s most future-proof clubs, not only in sporting terms but also structurally – a club that demonstrates how top-level sport and corporate responsibility can reinforce one another.”
Füchse Managing Director Bob Hanning: “With the addition of Christoph Ritzkat, we have positioned Füchse Berlin for a promising future. In recent years, Christoph has already provided valuable impetus to our club in his role as managing partner and CEO of Kieback&Peter. His passion for youth development and for our Füchse DNA completes the picture.”
Füchse President Frank Steffel: “With Christoph Ritzkat, we are gaining not only enthusiasm for Füchse Berlin but also additional financial expertise for our group of shareholders. He is a great asset to our discussions and provides the necessary support to the management team during our restructuring. That is why all shareholders were happy to transfer shares to him.”
