CEOs from Nike, Adidas and More at the FNAAs
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Welcome back to FN Daily, where we break down the biggest stories happening in footwear and retail.
Today, we're recapping the biggest highlights from the FN Achievement Awards (FNAAs), the industry’s most-anticipated event of the year that took place last evening.
Here's what you need to know:
The Biggest Footwear CEOs in the World From Nike, Adidas & More Came Together — Here’s What Went Down
CEOs from the world’s top footwear companies came out on Wednesday night to celebrate the industry's top players and brands — and playfully challenge their competition — at the 37th annual FN Achievement Awards.
Accepting the night’s first award of the Shoe of the Year for the Adidas Samba, the German company’s CEO Bjorn Gulden set the tone for the evening with a cheeky message for Nike and its CEO John Donahoe, who was also attending the event at Cipriani South Street ballroom on Wednesday night.
“To the Nike people in the room, watch out,” Gulden said. “We have a lot in the pipeline… not a joke.”
Accepting the Brand of the Year award on behalf of Hoka, Deckers CEO Dave Powers also played into the competitive atmosphere in the room. “[There’s] a couple of things to say. First of all, Nike, Adidas, we have a lot in our pipeline too,” Powers said. “So get ready.”
While Donahoe did not address the crowd on stage during the evening, Jordan Brand chairman Larry Miller responded to Powers and Gulden on behalf of the Swoosh in his speech presenting the Hall of Fame award to Nike’s Howard White.
“I want to say to the brands and folks that called us out earlier: Bring it on,” he said. “We’re ready for you.”
Ronnie Fieg Expresses Gratitude for Kith COO Nick Annacone and His Hard Working Retail Team at the FN Achievement Awards 2023
Kith just keeps winning.
Founder, creative director and CEO Ronnie Fieg —?who accepted his fifth FN Achievement Award on Wednesday night, this time for Retailer of the Year —?outlined for attendees the difference a year can make.
“Just one year ago, I had seven shops. One year later, this year, we have 14 shops. That was pretty difficult,” Fieg said during his speech at the 37th annual FN Achievement Awards, held Wednesday at Cipriani South Street in New York.
In 2023, Fieg opened Kith’s?Toronto flagship in September, marking its entry into Canada. Prior to that, Fieg opened a Kith store in January in Beverly Hills, Calif., followed by two stores in March: one in Miami in the city’s upscale Design District, and one in Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
This expansion could not be done without a strong team in place, which Fieg acknowledged in his speech, applauding them for their efforts. Fieg also took a moment to thank Kith COO Nick Annacone, who has been by his side throughout his retail journey.
Snoop Dogg Confirms He’s Back to Smoking and Surprises Martha Stewart at ‘Shoe Oscars’ FN Achievement Awards 2023
Martha Stewart presented the Person of the Year award to Michael Greenberg, president and co-founder of Skechers, at the 37th annual FN Achievement Awards in New York on Wednesday. During her speech, Stewart was joined onstage by her longtime friend Snoop Dogg, who made a surprise appearance at the event.
“He [Michael Greenberg] continues to move the needle and set the bar sky high with every new collection, including my sketches collection, which is windows of all the sketches all over the world,” said Stewart, who was interrupted by Dogg entering the stage. “What about my collection?” the rapped asked.
Both Stewart and Dogg have collaborative collections with the footwear brand. While receiving his award, Greenberg joked about the recent news regarding Snoop Dogg quitting smoking — the rapper announced on social media that he had decided to “give up smoke” last week, but later revealed he was “high” when he said that.
“I have to say. You really, really concerned me when you were giving up smoking. I thought you were going to be an emotional wreck that we would have to deal with that. Thank God, you’re still smoking!” Greenberg said. Dogg replied: “I was smoking backstage too, by the way.”
Other highlights from the FNAAs
Congrats to all the winners!
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