Adidas global human resources, people and culture chief steps down

Germany’s Adidas has announced the resignation of Amanda Rajkumar for the board role of global human resources, people and culture, effective July 15.

Following a distinguished career spanning 28 years of human resources experience in global organisations, Rajkumar joined the Adidas board as head of global human resources, people and culture at the beginning of 2021.

During her tenure at the sportswear giant, the executive devised and implemented a people strategy aimed at “efficiently harmonising and unifying employee experience” across the company and establishing Adidas as a “global values-led organization,” according to a press release.

“On behalf of the supervisory board, I would like to thank Amanda for her outstanding contribution,” said Thomas Rabe, chairman of the supervisory board of Adidas AG.

“Under her leadership, we made great progress in fostering a deeper culture of inclusion and creating better leadership accountability. In a period of transition for the company, Amanda put our people at the center of her work and ensured that adidas continuously obtained top positions in employer rankings around the world. With the professionalization of the HR function over the last years, overall employee engagement has increased. We accept Amanda’s resignation with respect for her achievements and wish her all the best for her future endeavors.”

Michelle Robertson, SVP workplaces and global functions at Adidas, will assume responsibility for global human resources, people and culture on an interim basis, reporting to Adidas CEO, Bjørn Gulden.

“I would like to thank the board and my colleagues for what have been very inspiring years at Adidas,” said Rajkumar.

“I am proud of what we have achieved, and I wish Bjørn, my colleagues in the board, and above all, my team, all the best as they continue to successfully transform this iconic company.”

In its most recent trading update in May, Adidas reported its first quarter results for 2023, announcing a 1 percent decline in revenues from EUR5.3 billion (USD5.85 billion) to EUR5.27 billion (USD5.81 billion).