Of
Stephen Radomsky
When Michael Diederich has to choose between football and business, he chooses the latter. Even when it hurts. Even if Toni Kroos secures the only German victory at a World Cup in the 95th minute. Like on this hot evening in June 2018. Diederich has been head of the Munich Hypo-Vereinsbank (HVB) for six months and is hosting the “Festspielnacht” for the first time, a classic event that the institute has been organizing for years. But it’s also Germany versus Sweden, an important game after a botched start to the tournament. So while the guests are having fun – first Netrebko, then the national team – Diederich has to work: introduce himself, talk, network. He doesn’t get much of the game and Kroos’ late free-kick dream goal.