The German sporting goods provider Adidas AG is bringing Michelle Robertson onto the board. From January 1st next year, the 48-year-old will be responsible for Global Human Resources, People and Culture on the group’s management board, the company announced on Friday.
Robertson has been leading the department on an interim basis for several months after former human resources director Amanda Rajkumar left in July. According to the company, the British woman has “held various human resources positions at both Adidas and previously at Reebok for over 18 years.” Most recently, she held the position of SVP Workplaces & Global Functions.
Supervisory Board Chairman Rabe honors “strong internal candidate”
Supervisory Board Chairman Thomas Rabe explained the promotion: “We are very pleased to be able to once again appoint a strong internal candidate as a board member. We are also pleased that the important area of human resources is now represented on the board again,” he explained in a statement. “With her in-depth expertise, commitment to employees and passion for the brand, Michelle will help further strengthen Adidas’ role as one of the best employers in the world.”
CEO Bjørn Gulden, to whom Robertson will report directly in her future role, also praised the services of the designated human resources director: “Michelle has done an excellent job as interim head of Global HR,” he emphasized. “She knows the industry, the company and, most importantly, our employees. I can’t think of anyone better to continue working together to ensure Adidas is an employee-focused, diverse and inclusive employer.”