adidas AG has appointed Michael Rupp as President and CEO of The Rockport Company, LLC. Michael Rupp will take over this position from Rick Paterno effective 1st of January 2008. Michael Rupp will report into Herbert Hainer, CEO and Chairman of the Board, adidas AG.

After almost seven successful years at the helm of Rockport, Rick Paterno has decided to step back from his post to spend more time with his family and explore business opportunities outside of the footwear industry. After a transition period in the coming months, Michael Rupp will be in charge of the Rockport brand’s business worldwide, with all Rockport global functions and Regional Heads reporting to him. He will continue to support and direct the strategies which Rick and the Rockport leadership team have put into place over the past several years.

“We would like to thank Rick Paterno for his leadership and outstanding results he has achieved at Rockport and wish him all the best for his private life and future professional challenges” said Hainer. “Michael Rupp’s proven leadership and global sales expertise make him uniquely qualified to leverage the enormous potential our Group sees in Rockport, both in the US and internationally.”

Michael Rupp joined adidas in 1987 and has since then worked within the adidas Group and spent significant time in Europe, Middle East and North America. Since August 2006, Michael has served the company as Chief Operating Officer of Reebok being based in Canton, Mass., focusing on the global expansion of the Reebok business that already results in growing sales in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. From October 2005, he co-led the highly successful adidas-Reebok integration.