• PUMA’s groundbreaking Project3 is back, giving 300 runners across 2026 Boston & London Marathons the opportunity to experience life as an elite PUMA athlete
• $3,000 cash prize to any Project3 participant who breaks existing marathon PB by three-minutes, as well as for the fastest Project3 male and female runners
• PUMA paid out more than $160,000 to Project3 runners in 2025, making it the most lucrative sub-elite marathon program in history
• Applications are open from 11:00 (EST) / 16:00 (GMT) via puma-project3.com and close at midnight on Friday 30th January

Global sports brand PUMA has announced that its groundbreaking Project3 marathon program will return for the 2026 Boston and London Marathons.

Project3 gives participants the opportunity to experience life as a professional athlete, trial PUMA’s best-in-class race day products including the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4, and the chance to bank huge performance-based cash bonuses.

Returning bigger and better than ever, PUMA will select 300 applicants competing at two pinnacle spring marathons – 100 for the Boston Marathon and 200 for the London Marathon – making this the largest intake for Project3 since the launch of the program.

“Last year, Project3 turned the run community on its head. We had three incredible race days in Boston, London and New York, where we brought the global run community together and put the science around Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 to the ultimate test. The results speak volumes and made the decision to run it back for 2026 a very easy one,“ said Lucas Maher, Senior Athlete Activation Manager at PUMA.

It was a momentous debut year for Project3, with 269 athletes from more than 13 countries toeing the line wearing the most talked about race-day shoe of the year, Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3.

Nearly one hundred runners set new PBs, with 48 of those breaking their PB by three-minutes or more to take home $3,000 in performance-based cash bonuses. In total, PUMA awarded more than $160,000 in prize money across the three races, making Project3 the most lucrative sub-elite marathon program in history.

What To Expect?

As a Project3 participant, you will receive unprecedented access to the PUMA Elite Running Team coaches, elite PUMA athletes, and PUMA innovation experts who will provide guidance on various aspects of your training cycle to ensure you’re ready to break records on race day.

Participants will also receive a bespoke collection of PUMA running products, including Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 and the soon to launch, Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4.

The eye-catching $3,000 performance bonus for breaking your previous PB by three-minutes or more remains, as does the $3,000 performance bonus to the fastest Project3 male and female finishers of each race, as well as the the runner who breaks their marathon PB by the biggest margin out of all Project3 runners.

How To Apply?

Prospective candidates must meet the minimum criteria to be considered for selection including:

• Holding a valid 2026 Boston or London Marathon race bib/race entry

• Existing marathon PB of 3:00 for male applicants or 3:15 for female applicants

To apply visit www.puma-project3.com. Applications open at 11:00 (EST) / 16:00 (GMT) on Monday 26th January and will close at midnight on Friday 30th January. 

For more information, please visit: www.puma-project3.com

As part of this partnership, PUMA will create team kit, delivering performance where it matters. This collaboration will span across the full McLaren Racing portfolio, including the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, both McLaren Racing entries in F1 Academy, McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team, and from 2027, the McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar Team.

“At PUMA, we are very proud of our long and successful history in motorsports and having worked with some of the greatest drivers and teams in the industry over the past decades. It is a great honour to write the next chapter by welcoming McLaren Racing, the 2025 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Champions, as our new partners,” said Arthur Hoeld, PUMA CEO. “We are looking forward to many successful races together and engaging with the team’s passionate fans around the world to create inspiring collections for them that show the best both brands have to offer.”

Designed around McLaren Racing’s iconic papaya , the Replica Collection mirrors the official clothing worn by drivers and team members at track. The Replica Collection is built for those who want to show up, stand out, and Race Louder, wherever they are.

The Lifestyle Collection has been designed for fans who live and breathe speed both on and off the track. Inspired by McLaren Racing’s long and storied racing history, this collection brings motorsport heritage into contemporary streetwear, fusing past and present through iconic silhouettes and modern design.

Beyond the track, immersive experiences will bring fans closer to the spirit, style, and innovation that define McLaren Racing. Through special events and unique drops, the partnership will bring the exhilaration of racing to life in new and unexpected ways, blending PUMA’s sportwear innovation with the McLaren Racing team’s legacy, inviting fans around the world to get closer to the team and become part of the McLaren Racing story. The first experience will debut at the opening race of the Formula 1 season in Australia, with further details to be announced in due course.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “Our sport is in incredible shape and it’s been fantastic to see an influx of major fashion and lifestyle brands who are looking for deep and meaningful ways to engage with our growing global fanbase. I cannot think of a better partner than sportswear giant PUMA to help us supercharge our portfolio of fan wear. We know fans want to express their passion for our sport both at and away from track, and PUMA’s innovative approach to design and culture will offer exciting collections and experiences worldwide.”

The PUMA x McLaren Racing Lifestyle Collection will launch globally on 20 January, followed by the Replica Collection, available from 2 February at select PUMA stores, select retailers, and online at puma.com and mclarenstore.com.

The new bridge loan of €500 million was fully underwritten by Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB). Both the bridge loan and the additional confirmed credit lines have a maturity of up to 2 years.

Markus Neubrand, Chief Financial Officer of PUMA SE said: “Even though our existing Revolving Credit Line and the promissory notes (Schuldscheindarlehen) are staying continuously available, today’s announcement will add more financial flexibility as we are working to finalize our long-term funding structure. The fact that Bank partners have further increased their exposure and business, underscores the confidence in our future business model and strategic direction. This will allow us to execute on our strategic priorities and our ambition to establish PUMA as a Top 3 sports brand globally”. 
 

The online magazine, which is available on puma-catchup.com, has received a thorough visual makeover and will focus on the stories that highlight the company’s innovations, sports, history, corporate culture and the strategic priorities that are being implemented to establish PUMA as a Top 3 global sports brand.

“With more than 75 years of history and incredible innovations, PUMA is brimming with interesting stories and historical anecdotes that are too good not to share with a wider audience,” said Kerstin Neuber, Senior Director of Communications at PUMA. “With PUMA CATch UP, we want to tell these stories to anyone who is interested in our company.”

Among the first articles to be published on PUMA CATch UP are exclusive interviews with PUMA CEO Arthur Hoeld, who gives more details about how he wants to turn PUMA into one global sports brand, and PUMA athlete and world-record breaking pole-vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, who talks about the thrill of chasing limits and the mindset that keeps him grounded. 

PUMA CATch UP first launched as a digital employee magazine in 2015, but it quickly also gained recognition with readers outside of the company. As part of the relaunch, the external focus of the magazine will be sharpened to deliver both deep features and snackable stories that give insights into the company.

The design, structure and technical set up of PUMA CATch UP was developed by Cologne-based digital agency studio8020.

URL: https://www.puma-catchup.com/

Previously, PUMA and United Legwear Company LLC had a partnership, PUMA United, which focused on the sale of these products in the U.S. and Canada. PUMA held a 51% capital share in PUMA United. The products sold by PUMA United were manufactured, transported, and stored by United Legwear and its suppliers.

The move from a partnership to an exclusive licensing agreement is part of PUMA’s strategic initiative to reduce complexity within its operating model in North America and sharpen the focus on its core business in the region. It further solidifies the continued close partnership between PUMA and ULAC which has existed for 25 years. As outlined during its third-quarter results on October 30, PUMA is executing a reset and is optimizing its distribution network. At that stage, PUMA had already said it was considering a shift to a licensing model with United Legwear. Financial details of the new licensing agreement with United Legwear are not disclosed.

This transition to a licensing model aligns with market practices in North America, where the production and sale of such products are typically licensed to third parties. Through this shift, PUMA aims to create a leaner, more efficient business model while maintaining a strong brand presence in these categories via its valued long-term licensing partner. The transition also enhances transparency for investors and the capital market by enabling clearer financial reporting.

As a result of this change, PUMA United will be classified as a discontinued operation in PUMA’s financial reporting from November of 2025 onwards. Accordingly, current year and prior-period figures will be restated, with PUMA United’s results, assets, and liabilities presented separately from continuing operations. Sales generated by the partnership amounted to €427.9 million, while net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests were €60.7 million for the 2024 financial year. For additional information regarding disclosures on non-controlling interests, please refer to page 315 of the PUMA Annual Report 2024.

Key developments Q3 2025

• PUMA outlines new strategic priorities aimed at establishing itself as a Top 3 global sports brand
• Sales decrease by 10.4% on a currency-adjusted basis (ca) to € 1,955.7 million (-15.3% reported), vastly due to strategic reset initiatives
• Gross profit margin down by 260 basis points to 45.2% due to increased wholesale promotions, inventory reserves from distribution clean-up, and higher freight costs
• Adjusted EBIT, excluding one-time costs, decreases to € 39.5 million due to the decline in sales and lower gross profit margin
• Reported EBIT amounts to € 29.4 million, including one-time costs of € 10.1 million related to the cost efficiency program
• Inventories increase by 17.3% to € 2,124.1 million; Inventory clean-up initiated, and PUMA expects to return to normalised levels by the end of 2026
• Cost efficiency programme expanded: targeted reduction of additional around 900 white-collar roles globally by the end of 2026
• Outlook for full-year 2025 confirmed

Third Quarter 2025

Sales

As previously announced during the second quarter release, 2025 marks a strategic reset year for PUMA. PUMA is navigating several company-specific challenges, including muted brand momentum, elevated inventory levels across the trade and low quality of distribution. In the third quarter of 2025, PUMA took immediate measures to build a healthy foundation for the business in 2026 and beyond. These measures targeted the reduction of undesired wholesale business, excess inventory at retail partners, and less promotions in e-commerce and full-price stores in the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channel. While necessary for long-term brand health, these factors significantly impacted PUMA’s wholesale performance and weighed on DTC sales development during the quarter. As a result, sales decreased on a currency-adjusted basis by 10.4% to € 1,955.7 million. Currencies, especially U.S. Dollar and Argentine Peso, had a negative impact, reducing sales in euro terms by approximately € 125 million. Consequently, reported sales were down by 15.3% in the third quarter of 2025.

PUMA’s Wholesale business decreased by 15.4% (ca) to € 1,385.7 million, reflecting significant takebacks to clear excess inventory in the channel along with immediate actions to reduce exposure to mass merchants in North America and to phase out undesirable business to a notable extent in Latin America, EMEA and APAC. Mass merchants are large-scale retailers that sell high volumes of products at low prices, often with broad distribution, limited brand control, and a focus on out-of-season or leftover merchandise. The Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business grew by 4.5% (ca) to € 570.0 million. The growth was led by the e-commerce business which increased 5.6% (ca), despite reduced promotions to improve brand perception. Sales in owned & operated retail stores increased 3.9% (ca), reflecting growth in both full-price and outlet stores. The DTC share rose substantially to 29.1% from 25.1% in Q3 2024.

The implemented reset initiatives led to a broad-based sales decline across all regions. In the Americas region, sales decreased by 15.2% (ca) to € 678.1 million. While Latin America recorded a modest decline in sales, the overall decrease was mainly driven by North America. Here, the U.S. market was particularly affected by the company’s distribution clean-up initiatives due to its disproportionate high share of mass merchant business in the wholesale channel. Sales in the Asia/Pacific region decreased 9.0% (ca) to € 367.1 million, reflecting a significant decline in Greater China’s wholesale business due to executed reset actions, partially offset by growth in the DTC business. In the EMEA region, sales decreased by 7.1% (ca) to € 910.6 million, mainly driven by a softer wholesale business in Europe, which was affected by takebacks and the deliberate scaling back of undesired business. 

All product divisions have been impacted by PUMA's strategic reset initiatives. Sales in Footwear decreased by 9.9% (ca) to € 1,045.8 million due to a broad decline across most categories. This was partially offset by growth in Sportstyle Prime driven by the Speedcat family, which continued to perform extremely well in APAC during the third quarter, while sales growth in EMEA and North America remained below expectations. PUMA’s performance categories Basketball and Performance Running remained resilient and delivered healthy growth, supported by the successful launch of product innovations such as the HALI 1 basketball shoe and the Velocity NITRO™ 4 running shoe. Sales in Apparel decreased by 12.8% (ca) to € 635.5 million due to a decline in Sportstyle, which is the largest category for PUMA. This was partially offset by growth in Training with strong momentum in HYROX — a standout performance trend that continues to gain traction globally and where PUMA is the exclusive partner — as well as Motorsport and Basketball. Accessories decreased by 6.1% (ca) to € 274.4 million.

Profitability

The gross profit margin declined by 260 basis points to 45.2% (Q3 2024: 47.9%), primarily reflecting increased promotional activity in the wholesale channel, inventory reserves resulting from the distribution clean-up measures, and higher freight costs. These effects were partially offset by a favourable distribution channel mix through a considerably higher share of DTC compared to the previous year quarter.

Operating expenses (OPEX), excluding one-time costs, decreased by 2.6% to € 850.6 million (Q3 2024: € 873.4 million), reflecting some positive effects from the cost efficiency program. This was partially offset by the continued growth of the DTC business, especially e-commerce, and higher depreciation & amortisation (D&A) from investments in DTC and infrastructure as well as store impairments. Marketing expenses rose as a share of sales due to lower third quarter sales. Despite lower OPEX and currency-related tailwinds on the OPEX ratio, the sales decline in the third quarter led to an increase in the OPEX ratio by 570 basis points to 43.5% (Q3 2024: 37.8%).

Adjusted EBIT, excluding one-time costs, decreased to € 39.5 million (Q3 2024: € 237.0 million) due to the sales decline and a lower gross profit margin. PUMA incurred one-time costs related to the cost efficiency program of € 10.1 million in the third quarter. Consequently, the reported EBIT came in at € 29.4 million (Q3 2024: € 237.0 million), resulting in a reported EBIT margin of 1.5% (Q3 2024: 10.3%).

The financial result increased by 6.3% to € -43.8 million (Q3 2024: € -46.7 million). Taxes on income amounted to € -37.9 million (Q3 2024: € -47.8 million), driven by lower earnings before taxes, partially offset by deferred tax assets write-offs in the U.S., China and Brazil. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests came in at € -10.0 million (Q3 2024: € -14.6 million) as a result of a softer socks and bodywear business in the U.S.

Consequently, net loss amounted to € -62.3 million (Q3 2024: net income of € 127.8 million) and earnings per share came in at € -0.42 (Q3 2024: € 0.86). Following the capital reduction resulting from the cancellation of the remaining treasury shares acquired through the share buyback program, the company’s share capital amounted to EUR 148,007,926.00 and is divided into 148,007,926 no par-value shares as of 23 September 2025. 

Nine Months 2025

Sales

After sales remained roughly flat in the first half of 2025, sales experienced a pronounced deceleration in the third quarter, as outlined above. Consequently, sales in the first nine months of 2025 decreased by 4.3% (ca) to € 5,973.9 million with a decline across all regions and product divisions. Currencies, especially U.S. Dollar, Mexican Peso and Argentine Peso, presented a headwind and negatively impacted sales in euro terms by approximately € 288 million (sales growth reported: -8.5%). 

PUMA’s Wholesale business declined by 8.6% (ca) to € 4,256.3 million, driven by softness in North America, Greater China and Europe. The Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business increased by 8.4% (ca) to € 1,717.6 million, driven by 14.2% (ca) growth in e-commerce and a 5.2% (ca) increase in owned & operated retail stores. This resulted in an increased DTC share of 28.8% (9M 2024: 25.5%).

From a regional perspective, sales in the EMEA region decreased by 1.9% (ca) to € 2,574.0 million. The Americas region recorded a sales decline of 6.2% (ca) to € 2,211.7 million, while sales in the Asia/Pacific region decreased by 5.5% (ca) to € 1,188.1 million.

Among product divisions, sales in Footwear decreased by 1.1% (ca) to € 3,292.9 million. Apparel decreased by 8.7% (ca) to € 1,827.6 million and Accessories decreased by 6.1% (ca) to € 853.4 million.

Profitability 

The gross profit margin declined by 130 basis points to 46.1% (9M 2024: 47.4%). Increased promotional activity, inventory reserves and currency effects were a headwind. This was partially offset by tailwinds from sourcing and a favourable distribution channel mix.

Operating expenses (OPEX), excluding one-time costs, increased by 2.8% to € 2,670.1 million (9M 2024: € 2,598.0 million). The increase was mainly due to the continued growth of the DTC business, especially e-commerce, and higher depreciation & amortisation (D&A) from investments in DTC and infrastructure and accounts receivable write offs of around € 20 million in the second quarter. Higher OPEX and a decline in sales, partially offset by currency-related tailwinds on the OPEX ratio, led to a 490 basis points increase of the OPEX ratio to 44.7% (9M 2024: 39.8%).

Adjusted EBIT, excluding one-time costs, decreased to € 102.0 million (9M 2024: € 513.2 million) due to the sales decline in the first nine months of 2025, a lower gross profit margin and higher OPEX. PUMA incurred one-time costs of € 112.7 million related to the cost efficiency program and a goodwill impairment in the second quarter. Consequently, the reported EBIT came in at € -10.7 million (9M 2024: € 513.2 million) and the EBIT margin at -0.2% (9M 2024: 7.9%).

The financial result decreased by 14.0% to € -132.5 million (9M 2024: € -116.2 million), mainly due to higher net interest expenses. Despite lower earnings before taxes compared to the previous year period, taxes on income came in at € -136.8 million (9M 2024: € -99.2 million). This was mainly due to deferred tax assets write-offs in the U.S. and China in the second and third quarter of 2025. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests amounted to € -29.0 million (9M 2024: € -40.6 million), as a result of a softer socks and bodywear business in the U.S.

Consequently, net loss came in at € -308.9 million (9M 2024: net income of € 257.1 million) and earnings per share amounted to € -2.09 (9M 2024: € 1.72).

Balance Sheet 

The working capital increased by 2.2% to € 1,924.6 million (30 September 2024: € 1,883.5 million). Inventories increased by 17.3% reported and 24.3% currency adjusted to € 2,124.1 million (30 September 2024: € 1,811.3 million) partly driven by inventory takebacks from wholesale partners to clean up distribution. This was partially offset by a reduction in purchase orders, implemented as a measure to slow down inventory growth and to avoid additional supply. To bring back inventories to a more normalised level until the end of 2026, PUMA will execute product clearance through its outlets and wholesale partners, supported by targeted promotional initiatives. Trade receivables decreased by 18.1% to € 1,241.2 million (30 September 2024: € 1,515.6 million), mainly due to lower sales. Trade payables decreased by 2.1% to € 1,270.6 million (30 September 2024: € 1,297.9 million) reflecting reduced purchasing orders in the third quarter. Net debt increased to € 1,205.2 million (30 September 2024: € 746.0 million), mainly driven by increased bank liabilities to support the operating business and finance working capital. 

Cash flow

The free cash flow came in at € -43.0 million in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2024: € -83.0 million), showing an improvement compared to the third quarter of 2024. This led to a free cashflow in the first nine months of 2025 of € -685.8 million (9M 2024: € -287.4 million). As part of its ongoing commitment to financial resilience and operational efficiency, PUMA is implementing measures to safeguard cash flow, especially optimising its working capital.

PUMA United

PUMA United is a partnership between PUMA and United Legwear, which mainly focuses on the sale of socks and bodywear in the U.S. and Canada. PUMA holds a 51% stake in the company. As part of the ongoing reset measures and efforts to optimise the PUMA distribution network, PUMA is considering moving from a partnership model to a licensing model in 2025. The PUMA United business is currently fully integrated in the operating segment "Region North America".

Outlook FY 2025

Amid ongoing volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility, PUMA anticipates that both sector-wide and company-specific challenges will significantly impact performance for the remainder of 2025. Key factors include a muted brand momentum, shifts in channel mix and quality, the impact of U.S. Tariffs, and elevated inventory levels.

PUMA confirms its full-year 2025 outlook. Sales on a currency-adjusted basis are forecast to decline by a low double-digit percentage, a reported EBIT loss is expected and capital expenditures of around € 250 million.

Strategic Priorities

PUMA’s POTENTIAL

With more than 77 years of writing history together with some of the world’s most famous athletes, PUMA is in a unique position when it comes to sports performance and sports culture. We have one of the richest archives in the industry with many products that have had an appeal with consumers for several decades. 

PUMA is also one of only four brands in the industry to have credibility in a wide variety of major sports. Our strong sports credibility continues to this day as the many successes of our sponsored teams and athletes give us worldwide exposure. PUMA has leading partnerships in football, including Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, the national team of Portugal and many others, directly connecting the brand with millions of fans around the world. In addition, every match of the most-watched football leagues in Europe, the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A, is played with a PUMA ball, which generates fantastic visibility. 

We also benefit from our work with community platforms such as HYROX, the world series of fitness racing, where we have just announced the extension of our long-term partnership. We support athletes through our relentless pursuit of performance innovations such as our industry-leading running technology NITRO™.

PUMA’s CHALLENGES

However, PUMA has to address the fact that it has become too commercial, which is reflected in muted brand heat, low distribution quality, and a product offering that is not cutting through in the market. 

PUMA'S ACTIONS

Aim of establishing PUMA as the Top 3 Sports Brand

That is why PUMA has initiated a reset, with the aim of establishing itself as a Top 3 sports brand globally, returning to above industry growth and creating healthy profits in the medium term. We have the clear priority of becoming one global sports brand with global product ranges and global storytelling across markets.

Cleaning up PUMA’s Distribution

PUMA has to become less commercial, both in its wholesale and owned-and-operated channels. 

While both Wholesale and DTC will continue to play an important role in our distribution strategy, we will evolve our channel mix and aim for higher growth in our direct-to-consumer channels to bring it closer to industry averages. 

PUMA will also strive for a healthier distribution mix in its wholesale channel, seeking growth from brand-driven segments, including performance and Sportstyle, and not from commercially driven opportunities.

Reducing the Cost Base

In response to the expected significant sales decline and lower sales base, PUMA is taking another decisive step to address its elevated operating expenses by expanding its cost efficiency programme beyond the previous initiative “nextlevel”. 

PUMA plans a targeted reduction of additional around 900 white-collar roles globally (total number: around 7,000) by the end of 2026, after 500 roles were already cut under "nextlevel" in 2025. Costs and savings of the expanded programme will be further evaluated and communicated with more details in due course. 

PUMA is also addressing its cost base by tackling operational inefficiencies and cutting the size of its product range to reduce the number of new articles introduced every season.

Strengthening Storytelling to better position PUMA’s Icons

In order to strengthen the brand and become more relevant with our consumers around the world as one global sports brand, we have to become more consumer-centric. This is why PUMA will focus our marketing investments and create a structure where product creation and storytelling will happen in parallel, with the aim of delivering authentic and impactful stories that inspire customers and consumers. 

We will focus on managing our different product franchises better. With the vast PUMA Archive at our disposal, we have the clear opportunity of better establishing our product icons, such as the PUMA Suede, to ensure they stand for something our consumers can understand and identify with.

Focus on Football, Running, Training and Sportstyle Select/Prime

The PUMA brand will put performance first. Performance innovations are an essential part of our work as a sports company and we will continue to introduce and improve technologies such as NITRO™, which make the best athletes even better.

We see the Football, Running, Training and Sportstyle Select/Prime categories as our main priorities to drive future growth. While our Sportstyle products are worn for style, we will extend our performance-first approach to this category, to show how all PUMA products are clearly rooted in and inspired by sports.

A clear organisational structure

As a result of the changes to our Brand Marketing organization, which were announced earlier this week, Maria Valdes, previously Chief Product Officer, has become Chief Brand Officer and is responsible for Brand Marketing, Product, Creative Direction, Innovation and Go-To-Market.

These changes at our board level come in addition to Andreas Hubert joining as Chief Operating Officer in July. 

PUMA has now created a clear redistribution of responsibilities among its Management Board, which is an important step in improving its organisational model and providing a clear structure to manage our global business.

Growth from 2027 onwards

While 2025 is a year of reset and 2026 will be a transition year, we are confident that the measures outlined above are an important first step in returning PUMA to growth from 2027 onwards.

With the new organizational structure, product creation and storytelling will happen in parallel with the aim of delivering authentic and impactful stories that inspire customers and consumers.

“With our amazing Archive and our cutting-edge sports-performance products, including our NITRO™-technology, we have the clear opportunity to tell stories that resonate, but PUMA’s previous approach to storytelling was too fragmented,” said Arthur Hoeld, CEO of PUMA. “By putting storytelling and product creation side by side, we will strengthen our product icons and sports performance products and create the clarity and structure that is needed to better position PUMA against its competition in the sporting goods industry.”

Maria Valdes, who has been a member of PUMA’s Management Board since 2023, will now be responsible for Brand Marketing, Product, Creative Direction, Innovation and Go-to-Market. Brand Marketing previously reported to CEO Arthur Hoeld, while Go-to-Market reported to Chief Commercial Officer Matthias Bäumer.

Sports Marketing will be separated from Brand Marketing and report to CEO Arthur Hoeld.

The organizational changes will take effect immediately.

Ronald has almost three decades of experience in the sports industry, holding various leadership positions in retail strategy and management at Nike, adidas and, most recently, Gymshark.

To accelerate growth and sharpen its focus, PUMA is evolving its organizational set-up by splitting its direct-to-consumer business into two dedicated Global Retail and Global E-Commerce focus areas. Erik Janshen, who previously oversaw both areas, has decided to leave PUMA to take on new professional challenges outside of the company.

“Ronald is a highly experienced leader with a strong track record across the industry, who will bring a deep global expertise in retail strategy and operations and help us build momentum in our global retail channel,” said PUMA Chief Commercial Officer Matthias Bäumer. “I want to thank Erik for building a strong foundation for a more holistic and profitable direct-to-consumer business and wish him all the best for the future.”

PUMA will announce a new leadership for its global e-commerce channel in the coming weeks.