By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Bjørn Gulden will take on the position of CEO at adidas and will serve on the company’s Executive Board beginning Jan. 1.
The current CEO of Adidas AG, Kasper Rorsted, and the Supervisory Board mutually agreed that he would step down as CEO and leave the company on Nov. 11, 2022.
“We would like to thank Kasper Rorsted for his major achievements at adidas. He strategically repositioned the company and fast-forwarded its digital transformation,” said Thomas Rabe. “In North America, the world’s largest sporting goods market, adidas has doubled its sales. In addition, adidas has strengthened its leadership position in sustainability and increased diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the company,” added Rabe.
“Following the successful divestiture of TaylorMade, CCM Hockey and Reebok the company is now able to focus its efforts on its core brand adidas. We wish Kasper Rorsted all the best for his future endeavors.”
Harm Ohlmeyer, Chief Financial Officer of Adidas, will lead the company in the interim until the official appointment of Gulden in his new role.
Gulden appears to be a comfortable fit for one of the world’s largest footwear and athletic apparel companies.
A bona fide titan of European industry, Gulden has served as CEO of Puma SE, CEO of the Danish jewelry brand Pandora, Managing Director of the footwear retailer Deichmann, President of Rack Room Shoes, and held various management positions at the outdoor apparel company Helly Hansen. He also holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Salling Group, Denmark’s largest food retailer.
Gulden also previously worked at the Adidas corporation from 1992 to 1999 where he served as Senior Vice President of Apparel and Accessories.
“We are very pleased to welcome Bjørn Gulden back at adidas. Bjørn Gulden brings almost 30 years of experience in the sporting goods and footwear industry,” said Thomas Rabe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adidas AG.
“As a result, he knows the industry extremely well and draws on a rich network in sport and retail. Bjørn Gulden already served adidas successfully for seven years in the 1990s,” added Rabe. “As CEO of Puma, he re-invigorated the brand and led the company to record results. The Supervisory Board of adidas AG is convinced that Bjørn Gulden will head adidas into a new era of strength and is looking very much forward to a successful cooperation.”
Adidas is a multinational corporation that focuses on designing and manufacturing footwear, apparel, and accessories.