Adidas Welcomes Back Birgit Kretschmer as new CFO

As of 1 September, Birgit Kretschmer will take up a post as the company’s financial controller. She will be appointed on the Executive Board as Harm has not extended his decision to stay on the board at the end of his term. 

Birgit says: “I am very honoured to re-join adidas as CFO. Together we can write the next chapter of the 3 stripes, as 'Through sport, we have the power to change lives'! Thanks to the adidas Supervisory Board for your trust.

“I am very much looking forward to work with Bjorn Gulden, Michelle Robertson, Mathieu Sidokpohou, Harm Ohlmeyer and the whole adidas team.”

A return to the brand 

With over 30 years in finance, Birgit can attribute at least 25 of them to adidas. Not only is she an experienced financial professional, but also a leader, as she has held roles such as CFO of adidas International BV, CFO of Western Europe and SVP of Corporate & Operations Finance.  

She started her career in the Finance Leadership Team in 2012, and has used her vast knowledge of treasury, M&A and accounting to steer adidas. 

CEO of adidas Bjørn Gulden notes: “I am extremely happy that we have signed Birgit to be the successor of Harm. Having worked 25 years with adidas before and now six years as the CFO at C&A makes her the perfect CFO for the future. 

“She knows the industry, she knows adidas and she has added the knowledge of cost discipline working as the CFO of a vertical retailer like C&A. I really look forward welcoming her back on our team.

Come January, adidas will have an updated Executive Board which will consist of Bjørn Gulden, Birgit Kretschmer, Michelle Robertson and Mathieu Sidokpohou.

Replacing a 3 decades long legacy 

Harm has worked for the company for just under 30 years, starting his career as Head of Strategic Controlling in the late 90’s. From there, he ascended the ranks and subsidiaries of adidas, moving from group to TaylorMade, then back to group. 

His experience positioned him to take over the firm’s finances in 2017. 

Bjørn continues: “Harm, who took part in the process of finding his successor, will ensure a smooth transition and also continue to stay close to adidas. We have a lot to thank him for. 

“With 29 years with the company and ten years as the CFO he has been a huge contributor to the success of our company. His many achievements include building-up our e-commerce business 15 years ago as well as the divestitures of TaylorMade and Reebok, which have allowed us to fully focus on the adidas brand. 

“Harm was an important partner for me when I took over in 2023 and will continue to be an advisor to me and the board.”

Additionally, the board thanked Harm for his diligence in leading the company through challenging periods using his financial and operational expertise. 

Adidas values loyalty, as made clear by Brigit’s previous 25 years of service at the clothing and footwear giant.