This week adidas announces that Eric Liedtke, Executive Board Member of adidas AG, responsible for Global Brands, is leaving the company at the end of the year. Liedtke is best known for the brand's open-source collaborations with the likes of Kanye West, Pharrell, and Beyoncé.

“adidas has been my professional home for more than 25 years. Now it’s time to move on to pursue new projects and ventures," says Liedtke. "It has always been a true honor for me to serve this fantastic company. I am proud about what we have achieved together as a team and I am grateful that I could work together with so many incredible people from around the world who share the love for our brands. Thank you, everyone, it’s been a great ride.”

Liedtke, now 53, began working for adidas in 1994 as Global Line Manager for Cross Training. During his time with the company, he held senior management positions at adidas America and the adidas AG Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. He also launched adidas' partnership with Parley for the Oceans to prevent plastic waste.

“Eric Liedtke has done a great job in positioning adidas as the creator sports brand. I can only praise his marketing expertise, his unrivaled passion for our brands and his commitment to sustainability. Together with all adidas employees, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Eric and wish him all the best for his future endeavors,” adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted stated.

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