Adidas AG has extended Bjorn Gulden’s CEO contract to ⁠the end of 2030. He ​has led the company since the start of 2023. The company also proposed Board ‌member Nassef Sawiris as its new chairman of the Supervisory Board, succeeding Thomas Rabe.

Regarding the extension of Gulden’s contract, Rabe said, “With his long-standing experience, his deep understanding of our industry, his strong leadership, and his clear focus on quality growth, Bjørn Gulden drove the successful turnaround of Adidas during the past three years. Under his leadership, Adidas has made tremendous operational and financial progress in a challenging environment, laying a strong foundation for further sustainable top- and bottom-line growth in the future. The extension of his contract is a clear commitment to continuity, stability, and a continued trustful collaboration between the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board. We are convinced that, together with his Executive Board team, Bjørn Gulden will continue to make Adidas successful in the long run.”

The Supervisory Board also extended the appointment of Michelle Robertson, responsible for global human resources, people and culture, until December 31, 2031. Robertson has led HR since the start of 2024. She has been with Adidas and previously Reebok in different HR roles for more than 18 years.

“I am delighted to announce that we have also extended Michelle Robertson’s appointment. During the past two years, she has successfully driven the development and direction of the global HR organization and our corporate culture. She accelerated key initiatives in the areas of people & culture, talent development, and modern working environments, thus further improving the company’s performance and Adidas’ position as an attractive employer brand,“ said Rabe.

Supervisory Board Changes
In view of the Annual General Meeting on May 7, 2026, the Supervisory Board further agreed to propose the re-election of Nassef Sawiris to the Supervisory Board for a further three-year term of office. Following the Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board intends to elect Nassef Sawiris as chairman of the Supervisory Board. He is to succeed Rabe, whose term of office will end as planned at the close of the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

Sawiris, 65, has been a member of the Supervisory Board since June 2016, and has been deputy chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2025.

Rabe said, “With Nassef Sawiris, the Supervisory Board will win an experienced entrepreneur and investor as Supervisory Board Chairman. Nassef has already accompanied Adidas for many years as a Supervisory Board member and has contributed significantly to the strategic development of the company. His significant shareholding in Adidas through NNS underscores his strong and long-term commitment to the company and alignment with shareholder interests. In addition, his international perspective and entrepreneurial vision will strengthen Adidas further in a dynamic market environment. As chairman of the Supervisory Board, Nassef Sawiris will be a driving force in the continued successful collaboration with the Executive Board and will represent the interests of our shareholders in a responsible manner. I would like to wish him and the entire Supervisory Board every success for the future.”

Rabe, 60,  has been a member of the Supervisory Board since 2019 and chairman since August 2020. Adidas said Rabe’s term as chairman “was a period of change and stabilization, marking a strategic restart for Adidas AG.”

Sawiris said: “I am delighted about my nomination for the position of chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adidas AG. In a time when there are still huge opportunities for our company in a very attractive industry, it is particularly important to me to take an active part in shaping the future of Adidas together with my Supervisory Board colleagues and the Executive Board. I greatly appreciate the achievements of Bjørn and his team so far, and I am looking forward to continuing our close collaboration as we jointly guide Adidas into its next chapter. Already today, I would like to thank Thomas Rabe on behalf of all Supervisory Board members for his long-standing leadership, the trustful collaboration, and his achievements for the company.”

Besides Sawiris, the Supervisory Board will also propose to the Annual General Meeting in May 2026 that Ian Gallienne, 55, chairman of the Board of Directors, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, be re-elected for a term of three years.

As a new member of the Supervisory Board, Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer SE, will be proposed for election to the shareholders. Mathias Döpfner, 63, has been CEO of Axel Springer SE since 2002, transforming the company from a traditional publishing house into a digital media group during this time. Rabe said: “Mathias Döpfner will complement the Supervisory Board perfectly with his strong executive leadership experience and his deep expertise in brand building, digital transformation, and corporate governance. He brings valuable strategic insight into global markets, consumer engagement, and commercial growth, making him a highly qualified candidate for our Supervisory Board.”

The Annual General Meeting of Adidas AG will take place in the Stadthalle Fürth, Germany, on May 7, 2026.

Images courtesy Adidas AG