German sportswear giant Adidas has announced plans to cut up to 500 jobs as part of its ongoing efforts to improve efficiency.
The job reductions, which will be carried out on a voluntary basis, will primarily affect staff at Adidas’ headquarters in Herzogenaurach.
According to CEO Bjorn Gulden, the move is aimed at improving the company’s competitiveness and efficiency.
The announcement comes after Adidas’ tumultuous split with US rapper Kanye West, which led to a financial downturn in 2023. However, the company has since rebounded, reporting a net profit of €824 million ($882 million) in 2024.
Adidas has already sold off its remaining Yeezy-brand trainers and has expressed optimism about maintaining its positive trend in 2025.
The company expects overall sales growth in 2025 to be in the “high single-digit range,” despite the absence of major sporting events that typically drive sales.
Gulden acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding potential US tariffs threatened by former President Donald Trump against key trading partners, including China.
“We don’t know what will happen with tariffs in the United States,” the CEO said.
Adidas’ decision to cut jobs is part of its efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing market and maintain its competitiveness in the global sportswear industry.
