Gerd Pieper will be spending the special day in his "second home": Hamburg. Hence why the birthday boy feels especially honoured that the Borussia Dortmund executive board and management have accepted the invitation to the big celebration this evening.

"I think it's wonderful that Hans-Joachim Watzke, Thomas Treß, Carsten Cramer, Reinhard Rauball and Reinhold Lunow are all attending," said Borussia Dortmund's Vice-President Gerd Pieper, who turns 75 today.

He has been a club member for 35 years, has presided over the Supervisory Board of Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA for 14 years and has served as Vice-President of BV Borussia 09 e.V. for the last decade. At the annual general meeting in 2017, the entrepreneur was unanimously approved for a further three years. He puts his heart and soul into carrying out his duties. "The first special experience for me was the 5-0 victory over Benfica in 1963. Ever since then BVB have been very close to my heart," declared Pieper, who can already look back on "a wonderful time with two German titles and two DFB Cups since I have been in my positions at the club".

To describe Gerd Pieper, who was born in Eutin on 28 August 1943, as "diverse" would be a strong understatement. He was the honorary lord mayor of Herne from 1981 to 1994, while between 1997 and 2006 he served on the committee of the German Retail Association. From 2000 to 2009 he was the President of the Community of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in North-Rhine Westphalia, and he was the Vice-President of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) between 2004 and 2008.

His long and successful professional life saw Gerd Pieper lead the family company "Stadt-Parfümerie Pieper" for 49 years; since 2012, he has been the Managing Partner of the company, which has around 150 branches and employs more than 1,100 staff. On 1 July 2018 ("with an eye on my 75th birthday") he passed the sole control of the company to his son Oliver, and since then has been "only involved as an advisor", though he admits the fascination for what has been his life's work will never subside. "When you lead a company for 49 years, it'll always be with you. But I'm restraining myself. My son has the say now. It was the right time to pass the company down to the fourth generation. And by the age of 80 I wouldn't have wanted to go into the office every day anyway."

Gerd Pieper wants to use the extra time on his hands for extended holidays ("to see the world") and to increasingly join BVB on trips in what will hopefully be a long Champions League season.

But before the draw rolls around on Thursday there will be a big celebration today! Hans-Joachim Watzke said: "On behalf of all Black & Yellows, I wish Gerd Pieper a wonderful birthday!"
Boris Rupert