adidas Group India has replaced Subhinder Singh Prem with Claus Heckerott as the new Managing Director of the brand. Prem had been serving in the company for the last 17 years.
The realignment of leadership may have been carried with a view to achieve its ‘Route 2015’ objective. In 2010, adidas had laid down a strategic business plan with the objective of driving profitable growth across the group. As a part of the plan, India was identified as one of the key markets across the globe. The change in leadership is a step in this direction.
adidas has three brands in India. These are Reebok, TaylorMade and the flagship brand that has the same name as that of the group. TaylorMade targets the golfwear market, while Reebok and adidas are quite popular as sportswear products.
Heckerott, the new MD of adidas India is a Canadian national, with 14 years of senior management experience with adidas. Till recently, he held the position of Vice-President, Finance and Global sales, in the group.