adidas-Salomon AG announces Board changes

Herzogenaurach, 11/01/2000 - Jan Valdmaa, Member of the Executive Board of adidas-Salomon AG, is leaving the company by mutual agreement effective January 17, 2000.

Jan Valdmaa (44) joined the Swedish distributor for adidas in 1987. In 1991, he transferred to adidas Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, subsequently becoming Head of Global Marketing in 1994 and Member of the Executive Board in 1997, responsible for Global Marketing.

Erich Stamminger, Member of the Executive Board of adidas-Salomon AG, currently responsible, together with newly appointed Deputy Chairman Herbert Hainer, for Region Europe and Region Asia/Pacific, will take over the responsibility for Global Marketing with immediate effect.

Erich Stamminger (42) joined adidas in 1983. He was in charge of various management functions within the German and International organisation. In 1995, he assumed responsibility for Region Europe, again in tandem with Herbert Hainer. In 1997, Erich Stamminger was appointed Member of the Executive Board of adidas-Salomon AG, responsible for Region Europe and Region Asia/Pacific focussing on marketing. For the time being, Herbert Hainer will take over sole responsibility for Region Europe and Asia/Pacific.

"I would like to thank Jan personally for his many years of commitment and for his significant contributions to the company", stated Robert Louis-Dreyfus, CEO of adidas-Salomon AG. "We wish him every success in his new endeavours. At the same time, we would like to wish Erich all the best in his new role and assure him of all our support to successfully manage and build our brands globally."

Herbert Hainer, Deputy Chairman of the Board of adidas-Salomon AG, said: "The sporting goods industry and we as a company are in transition. Our recent management decisions are our first action steps in successfully managing the future challenges for our company. Efficiency, speed and a clear structure will be key factors for success and future growth."