Former SAP Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Daniel Schmid has joined 1. FC Kaiserslautern (FCK) as a Sustainability Advisor, aiming to integrate long-term sustainability strategies into the club’s operations. His appointment marks a significant step in the club’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
A Sustainability Leader with a Passion for Football
Schmid is a well-known figure in the global sustainability sector. He spent over 26 years at SAP, one of the world’s leading software companies, where he led its sustainability division for more than 15 years. Under his leadership, SAP was ranked among the Top 100 most sustainable companies globally and launched key initiatives, such as the Carbon Footprint Analytics program in 2022.
At SAP, he also played a crucial role in reducing data center emissions by 35% and enhancing the company’s social impact throughout its supply chain.
“Sustainability cannot be an add-on topic,” Schmid said. “For long-term success, companies need to truly embed sustainability in their business strategies, processes, and operations.”
From Corporate Leadership to Football Sustainability
After departing SAP in December 2024, Schmid embraced a new challenge that combines his two greatest passions: sustainability and football. A lifelong supporter of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, he eagerly accepted the club’s invitation to serve as its Sustainability Advisor.
“It’s a wonderful privilege to combine my love for FCK and sustainability,” Schmid said. “I’m excited to use my experience to help my club develop a long-term sustainability strategy.”
With a background in industrial engineering and extensive experience in corporate sustainability, Schmid is expected to help the club implement impactful environmental and social policies.
Football’s Role in Sustainability
Sustainability has become a growing focus in football, with clubs across Europe striving to reduce their environmental footprint. FCK aims to align with this movement by embedding sustainability into its core operations.
“We are delighted to welcome Daniel Schmid, a leading expert in sustainability, to our club,” said Thomas Hengen, Managing Director of FCK. “This reflects our commitment to making sustainability a key part of our corporate strategy. A sustainable approach not only secures our future but also plays an increasingly important role in all areas of football.”
FCK’s efforts will likely extend beyond environmental initiatives to include broader social responsibility measures. Football clubs, with their influence and reach, have the potential to drive meaningful change, and FCK is embracing that responsibility.
Building a Sustainable Future for FCK
With Schmid’s guidance, the club aims to make sustainability a core part of its daily operations. Stefan Roßkopf, Head of Corporate Communications and the club’s current sustainability lead, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“As a football club that reaches and inspires thousands of people, we recognize our responsibility to both people and nature,” Roßkopf said. “Sustainability has become an essential part of our daily work at 1. FC Kaiserslautern.”
For Schmid, this new role is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the club he loves.
“My goal is to combine sustainability with fun and innovation,” he said. “Sport, football, and my FCK can have a great, positive effect.”
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