Humans of Rockefeller Center: Meet Dee Kundra, Managing Director (Americas) of FC Bayern
How to Spend the Perfect December Day at Rockefeller Center
An Insider’s Guide to Smith & Mills Rockefeller Center
What to Do in New York City in March 2024
Artist Melissa Joseph’s Felt Works Highlight Inclusivity and the Importance of Human Connection
5 New Things to Do at Top of the Rock This Year
“Humans of Rockefeller Center” is a series that highlights some of the people who make our campus such a bright, dynamic, and only-in-New York destination.
As many great career stories often begin, Dee Kundra, the managing director of the Americas for FC Bayern, didn’t start off working in sports.
Kundra began her career in fashion in London, but found her first stint with soccer (or “football”) at what’s now known as The King’s Trust, a UK-based charity founded by King Charles III. “That job was about bringing young people into work through training and education,” says Kundra, adding she worked on music events followed by sports initiatives. “At first, I didn't really know that much about football,” she says, but Kundra leaned on self-education and immersed herself into the sport – including picking a team and attending games. “Something about team sports feels like you're all rooting for something. There’s a common goal,” she says. “I fell in love very quickly.” Later, Kundra worked at Lexis Agency on Barclays’ global sponsorship of the Premier League and then joined Liverpool FC — an iconic team known for its storied fans and culture. “European soccer culture is passed down through generations,” Kundra explains.
Next came the New York chapter. Kundra, who long dreamed of living and working in Manhattan, took a job with the New York Cosmos in 2015. “I remember seeing the Tree at Rockefeller Center and being like, ‘I love New York,’” she says. A few years later, Kundra joined FC Bayern as the marketing and communications lead. Having worked in both the US and European football markets, she found was able to uniquely straddle both worlds. In a fun twist to her New York story, a few months ago, FC Bayern moved into Rockefeller Center. “Everything’s at your fingertips, and Bayern Munich is almost 124 years old, so moving here, well, it feels like home.” In fact, despite the organization’s hybrid working model, everyone shows up at the office. “We’re in the center of media and business. It’s electrifying every day,” she says.
Alongside a team of 10, Kundra leads corporate partnerships, marketing efforts, and an all-important grassroots component: sharing Bayern Munich’s coaching philosophy and “making football accessible for youth around the country,” she says. That’s not all: “Obviously, we’re in the Champions League, and hopefully we'll go all the way this year,” Kundra says, noting FC Bayern’s partners and teams often watch the games from their Rockefeller Center office. That excitement will only ramp up with the forthcoming 2026 World Cup being held in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
When the conversation turns to preferred venues at Rockefeller Center, Kundra nods to 620 Loft & Garden — known for its lush greenery and views of St. Patrick's Cathedral. FC Bayern also held its opening party at NARO on the Rink Level. “It was an incredible level of detail,” says Kundra of the Michelin-starred Korean restaurant. She’s also known to drop into 5 Acres for a classic farmers' breakfast, and, at lunch, Kundra enjoys the Brando sandwich at Alidoro. And then comes Kundra’s confession: “I'm not gonna lie. When I fancy a cheeseburger, I go to Bill's Burgers.”
When back at her office at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Kundra is busy at work. “We're lucky to be doing what we're doing. We thoroughly enjoy it — and we just want to share it with everyone.”
- Food & Drinks02.22.24
![Bar area at Smith & Mills at Rockefeller Center]()
Food & Drinks02.22.24An Insider’s Guide to Smith & Mills Rockefeller Center
- Events02.20.24
![Aerial view of New York City at sunset by Joshua Newton]()
Events02.20.24What to Do in New York City in March 2024
- Arts & Culture02.8.24
![Artist Melissa Joseph]()
Arts & Culture02.8.24Artist Melissa Joseph’s Felt Works Highlight Inclusivity and the Importance of Human Connection
- Arts & Culture12.19.23
![Group of people on The Beam at Top of the Rock]()
Arts & Culture12.19.235 New Things to Do at Top of the Rock This Year
The Center Newsletter
Receive important seasonal news and updates, learn about store openings, and get special offers.
