Birgit Kretschmer preps return to adidas as she is lined up to succeed Harm Ohlmeyer as brand’s new CFO
adidas has appointed Birgit Kretschmer to its executive board, effective 1st September. She will succeed Harm Ohlmeyer as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the end of the year, following his decision not to extend his executive board mandate beyond his current term.
CEO Bjørn Gulden says, “I am extremely happy that we have signed Birgit to be the successor of Harm. Having worked 25 years with adidas before and now six years as the CFO at C&A makes her the perfect CFO for the future. She knows the industry, she knows adidas, and she has added the knowledge of cost discipline working as the CFO of a vertical retailer like C&A.”
“I really look forward to welcoming her back on our team. Harm, who took part in the process of finding his successor, will ensure a smooth transition and also continue to stay close to adidas. We have a lot to thank him for. With 29 years with the company and ten years as the CFO, he has been a huge contributor to the success of our company. His many achievements include building up our e-commerce business 15 years ago as well as the divestitures of TaylorMade and Reebok, which have allowed us to fully focus on the adidas brand. Harm was an important partner for me when I took over in 2023 and will continue to be an advisor to me and the board.”
Kretschmer comments: “I am very honoured to re-join adidas as CFO. Together we can write the next chapter of the three stripes, as 'Through sport, we have the power to change lives'! Thanks to the adidas supervisory board for your trust.”
Nassef Sawiris, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, says: “On behalf of the entire supervisory board, I would like to thank Harm for his many contributions to the successful development of our company, particularly during his ten years as our CFO. His strong financial expertise and broad operational experience have been crucial in steering our company through challenging periods and supporting the successful turnaround over the past years.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
E-commerce will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
