The Supervisory Board of PUMA SE has today appointed Arne Freundt as CEO of the company and chairman of PUMA’s Management Board. He is receiving a contract for four years, effective January 1, 2023. Bjørn Gulden’s mandate as member of the Management Board of PUMA SE expires at the end of 2022.
“In Arne Freundt, we have a recognized leader withing the Company, taking over as CEO. He has been a designated candidate and is the ideal choice to continue PUMA’s very successful path and to further accelerate the Company’s momentum. He carries the PUMA family in his heart, and will ensure that PUMA continues to be the best partner for PUMA’s retailers, suppliers and athletes”, said Héloïse Temple-Boyer, Chair of the Supervisory Board of PUMA.
Héloïse Temple-Boyer added: “We thank Bjørn Gulden for his excellent contributions during his more than nine years at PUMA in which he brought the PUMA Group back on track and made sure he leaves it in outstanding shape.”
Arne Freundt (42) has worked for PUMA for more than ten years and has been a member of the Management Board as Chief Commercial Officer since June 2021. During his time at PUMA, he has held various positions and was responsible for the Corporate Strategy, the Global Direct-to-Consumer business and the Region EMEA as a General Manager.
“My current contract with PUMA ends 31/12/22 and after 9 years I have decided not to renew,” said Bjørn Gulden. “I have had 9 great years with the PUMA family, and I am very proud of what we have achieved together. Even during difficult times, we have had great momentum and have delivered record results in revenue and in earnings. This has been achieved by outstanding teams, our special culture and a great Supervisory Board. The Board has been very supportive also in difficult times and always with a long-term view looking at what will be the best for the company and our people. I felt it was the right time for PUMA, my successor and me to leave now. I still have a lot of energy and want to at least continue 5-10 more years in an operational role, which I think would have been too long for PUMA. Arne has been working directly with me for 9 years, has always been part of setting the strategy and making big decisions and has made a big contribution to PUMA´s success. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and I am sure he will do an even better job than me.”
“I feel privileged to be given this opportunity by the Supervisory Board to lead this great company with its fantastic people and take PUMA to the next level,” said Arne Freundt. “Bjørn has been an inspiring leader and I am very thankful for the joint journey.”
