Manfred Ihle, member of the adidas-Salomon Executive Board, responsible for legal and environmental affairs, will leave the Executive Board of adidas-Salomon AG effective June 30th, 2004 to commence retirement. From July 1st, 2004 the Global Legal Department of adidas-Salomon AG will be headed by Frank Dassler.
Frank Dassler (47) has more than 25 years experience in the sporting goods industry. Following his law studies in the USA and Germany, Frank Dassler founded his own law firm in 1989, focusing on international commercial and trademark law. In this function, he represented the legal interests of organizations such as the Union of German Sporting Goods Retailers (VDS) and the Federation of European Sporting Goods Retail Associations (FEDAS). He has also held various management positions within Puma AG. In his new position, Frank Dassler will also be responsible for social and environmental affairs. He will report to Herbert Hainer, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of adidas-Salomon AG.
Manfred Ihle joined adidas AG as a legal adviser in 1993. He was appointed to the Executive Board of adidas-Salomon AG effective July 1st, 1998, responsible for legal, social and environmental affairs.
“adidas-Salomon is very grateful to Manfred Ihle. He has played a major role in making our Group a global player and the world's second largest sporting goods company. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for his outstanding contribution and untiring dedication to our Group. We wish him the very best for his well-deserved retirement,” said Herbert Hainer, CEO and Chairman of adidas-Salomon AG. “At the same time, we are looking forward to welcoming Frank Dassler in July and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best and every success in his new role.”
