Adidas' Latest Board Member Departure

Welcome back to FN Daily, where we break down the biggest stories happening in footwear and retail.

Today, we discuss an executive exit at Adidas and Lululemon's new e-commerce partnership. Plus, we look at Foot Locker's new back-to-school campaign, which focuses on sneakers.

Here's what you need to know:

Adidas HR Chief and Board Member to Step Down

Adidas HR chief and executive board member Amanda Rajkumar will leave the company this month, the company announced on Wednesday. She has decided not to renew her contract, which expires in December, and will end her tenure at Adidas on July 15.

Context: Rajkumar joined Adidas’ board in 2021 as the company’s head of global human resources, people and culture. She was appointed to her role after employee complaints over racism at the firm led Karen Parkin, former global head of HR, to exit. Adidas’ diversity and inclusion shortfalls had been thrust into the spotlight, and a racial reckoning unfolded at the company, and across corporate America, following the murder of George Floyd.

Rajkumar’s departure marks the latest senior executive exit since Gulden?assumed the CEO role?at the start of 2023. In March, Adidas announced that executives and board members Roland Auschel and Brian Grevy would leave the company.

Lululemon Continues European Growth With New Zalando Partnership

Lululemon?has inked a new deal with?Zalando?to expand distribution in?Europe.

With this move, the Vancouver-based athletic brand, which already does some direct business in Europe, will work with the German e-commerce platform as its preferred European partner with the hopes of reaching “millions” of new consumers.

Zalando?noted in a statement that a range of Lululemon’s products including training, running, yoga and lifestyle clothing and accessories are now, or will soon be, available in 12 markets via its distribution network. This means Lululemon is now available for Zalando customers in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Foot Locker Kicks Off Back-to-School Season With New Campaign

Foot Locker?has launched its?back-to-school?campaign with a nod to sneakers.

In the spot, aptly titled, “It’s Sneaker Season,” Foot?Locker?Stripers welcome customers in the store as they look for a pair of the perfect shoes.?Nike?Dunk Low Pandas can be seen on display. Other styles Foot Locker is offering just in time for school include the trending?Adidas?Samba sneakers, classic Nike Air Force 1, options from On and Hoka One One as well as Crocs clogs.

In addition to the new campaign,?Foot?Locker?aims to make an impact within its local communities throughout the back-to-school season with various in-store events focused on giving back. In August, for example, consumers can celebrate “Sneaker Season” at?Foot?Locker?community stores across North America with food from local vendors, sneaker cleaning stations, programming for kids and young adults, special appearances and more.

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