Jonas Boldt (born 1982) is a German football executive known for his leadership roles at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Hamburger SV. He began his career at Leverkusen in 2007 under sporting director Rudi Völler, working as a scout before advancing to head of scouting, then sporting manager, and eventually becoming the club’s sporting director. During his tenure, Leverkusen consistently qualified for European competitions and developed a reputation for strong recruitment and youth integration. Club chairman Werner Wenning credited Boldt for his drive and commitment, while Rudi Völler highlighted his influence on personnel strategy and the club’s European consistency.
At Leverkusen, Boldt helped build a data-informed scouting and development structure. He earned recognition across Europe and South America for identifying talent early, including players like Arturo Vidal, Dani Carvajal, and Toni Kroos. He championed a leadership style based on placing the right people in development roles, mentoring youth, and creating a sustainable pipeline of talent. His time at Leverkusen saw the rise of players like Kai Havertz, Benjamin Henrichs, and Dominik Kohr from the academy to the first team.
In May 2019, Boldt was appointed Director of Sport at Hamburger SV, replacing Ralf Becker. His appointment was seen as a strategic move by HSV’s board to rebuild the club’s sporting identity. In 2020, his contract was extended through 2023, reflecting trust in his vision and methods. At HSV, Boldt was responsible for the club’s overall sporting direction, including transfer strategy, academy structure, and managerial appointments, as well as communication, brand, and marketing. He also led the People & Culture initiatives and oversaw a growth in club membership from 90,000 to 120,000.
His time at HSV involved multiple managerial changes, including the appointments of Dieter Hecking, Daniel Thioune, Tim Walter, and eventually Steffen Baumgart. Despite moments of promise, HSV failed to achieve promotion to the Bundesliga. In the 2023–24 season, the team finished fourth in the 2. Bundesliga, five points short of the playoff spot, while rivals St. Pauli secured direct promotion. Boldt’s decision to replace Walter with Baumgart late in the season did not reverse the team’s trajectory.
In May 2024, HSV’s board announced Boldt’s immediate departure from his role. The club acknowledged his contributions and expressed gratitude for his commitment during a demanding period. Boldt described his five-year tenure as both challenging and rewarding, reflecting on the foundations laid for long-term growth despite the missed targets.
Boldt’s management philosophy focuses on long-term planning, alignment between club identity and staff, and a proactive approach to recruitment and player development, as well as a strong leadership role and running a club in a business-minded way. He has emphasized a playing style centered on possession-based, attacking football, and has consistently sought coaches who reflect this approach. His work has been characterized by a methodical, people-first mindset aimed at sustainable success.
As of mid-2025, Jonas Boldt is not affiliated with a club. He is among the founders of POWWOW Sports, a digital community platform designed for athletes and sports professionals. In this new venture, he applies his Bundesliga experience and network to support emerging players and sports organizations through strategic guidance from both the sporting and economic sides.
Jonas Boldt remains one of Germany’s most respected football executives, known for his ability to bridge youth development with professional-level performance and his forward-thinking approach to club leadership.
Our Exclusive Interview with Jonas Boldt
Who is Jonas Boldt outside of football, and how have your personal experiences shaped the way you lead within the sport?
I would describe myself as a calm, thoughtful, and decisive individual. I have high ambitions not only for myself but also for those around me, while never losing sight of the human element. Much of what I have learned has come from observing the behavior and leadership styles of top athletes and business leaders. Beyond that, I have been fortunate to gain valuable insights through personal collaboration and exchange with figures such as Jupp Heynckes, Rudi Völler, Roger Schmidt, Reiner Calmund, and Michael Reschke on the sporting side. On the corporate side, I learned from Wolfgang Holzhäuser, Michael Schade, and Werner Wenning.
Looking back, what first sparked your interest in football management, and did you ever imagine dedicating so much of your career to it?
From an early age, my father sparked my passion for both sports and management. He regularly took me to the stadium, where I had the unique opportunity to encounter influential figures like Reiner Calmund and Uli Hoeneß. These early experiences fueled my fascination and cemented a dream to one day work in this world. I always knew that entering this field without a professional playing career would be a significant challenge. Still, I never let go of that ambition. I believed in it deeply and was willing to subordinate many things in life to pursue it with focus and dedication.
What moments from your time at Bayer Leverkusen stand out as especially formative for your leadership style and philosophy?
There are many defining moments, but one recurring theme that has always impressed me is when leaders step up for their teams in difficult situations while remaining calm and composed under pressure. I often think of Rudi Völler in such situations, particularly his composed reaction after the so-called “phantom goal” in Hoffenheim. That was a case without precedent in any textbook. Jupp Heynckes also left a lasting impression on me. His leadership created a sense of ease and trust within the team without compromising his authority. Everyone knew he could be uncompromising when someone threatened the team’s goals or chemistry. If there is one principle that has stayed with me, it is leading by example.
During your years at Hamburg, what did you learn about resilience, both personally and professionally, through the club’s ups and downs?
The status of the club and the wide-ranging public interest it attracts make it truly unique. Combined with the emotional intensity surrounding it, I quickly realized that without a strong inner compass, it is easy to lose yourself. What helped me is that I am naturally a calm and pragmatic person, someone others can rely on. That mindset aligns well with the Hanseatic culture. Still, I had to learn how to create distance at times, because the size and sheer force of a club like this can consume you. Even though I met many great people within the club, having close friends and family as a private anchor has been essential. They see you not as a functionary, but simply as a person.
How do you define effective leadership in modern football, especially in an era where clubs face growing expectations from fans, media, and players?
Leadership as a whole has evolved. People want to be included more, which can sometimes blur lines of accountability. I believe it is essential to set clear expectations and create an environment where people are both challenged and supported. The younger generation is especially looking for role models. They do not shy away from responsibility as long as they feel guided rather than left alone. Honest, direct conversations behind closed doors can make a big difference.
You have always placed value on scouting and development. Was there a moment or player that reminded you why investing in youth systems matters?
Every day spent interacting with people in the academies leaves a mark. The bond with the club and its people becomes part of your identity. Even today, I see how shared time creates lasting connections. No matter how far a player has gone or what kind of person he has become, certain character traits are instantly recognizable when you run into former youth players. This awareness should drive us to invest especially in good educators and mentors. Jonathan Tah is one player who always comes to mind. He was developed in Hamburg before my time and later brought to Leverkusen while I was there. We have both been part of these two clubs for many years, sometimes together and sometimes not. Without having to say much, there is a mutual understanding rooted in the identity and history of those places. It is in the small things, and it speaks volumes.
What advice would you give to young professionals who aspire to work in football management or club leadership today?
With hard work, discipline, perseverance, and courage, a great deal is possible. The path to the top is rare due to limited opportunities and intense competition, but it can be achieved.
Looking ahead, what part of the football ecosystem excites you most, and where do you see yourself making the biggest impact in the years to come?
The world is in flux and full of uncertainties. Football will always reflect society. As a result, the demands on leaders are becoming more complex. I am convinced that my future role will lie more in leadership and strategic direction rather than in day-to-day operational management.