Shankland, who was primarily responsible for product operations, sourcing and supply chain as well as tech, data and analytics, non-trade-procurement and sustainability, is stepping down from the executive board and will leave the company after 27 years with the brand, having joined adidas Russia/CIS in 1997.

During his tenure as managing director, he established Adidas Russia/CIS as the market leader through the creation of a strong direct-to-consumer business. After leading Adidas emerging markets region from 2017, Shankland joined the executive board in 2019.

Adidas says during this period, Shankland led major transformation initiatives, including creating a more responsive, transparent and sustainable supply chain and built a more tech and data-capable organisation aided by the insourcing of technology talent into a network of global technology hubs.

Following the announcement, Hoa Ly, SVP sourcing, will have responsibility for all sourcing operations at Adidas reporting into Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden.

Adidas CFO Harm Ohlmeyer will assume additional responsibility for supply chain and technology.

As of 11 August 2024, the company’s new executive board will consist of Bjørn Gulden (chief executive officer, global brands), Arthur Hoeld (global sales), Harm Ohlmeyer (chief financial officer) and Michelle Robertson (global human resources, people and culture).

Last week Adidas upped its full-year outlook on the back of increased sales and profits in the second quarter (Q2), however, an industry expert noted North America's 7.7% sales decline shows the loss of its Yeezy products continue to affect the brand's desirability in the region.