Like its neighbour Adidas, Puma is reducing its management committee. The German group announced on Wednesday 28 August that Anne-Laure Descours, head of sourcing at the equipment manufacturer since 2019 and with the group since 2012, will not be taking up her seat on the company’s decision-making body. She will leave the company by the end of the year and will continue to advise on sustainability issues, Puma said in a statement. As a result, the management committee has been reduced to three people: Arne Freundt, CEO, Hubert Hinterseher, CFO, and Maria Valdes, Product Director. 

To ensure continuity in its value chain operations, Arne Freundt has chosen to place its trust in a Group executive. Indrajeet Sen, 38, will become the group’s new vice-president of sourcing, reporting to Maria Valdes. At Puma since 2016, he was most recently vice-president of footwear development and sourcing and had previously worked at German group Deichmann. “He will oversee global sourcing and development of footwear, apparel and accessories, as well as operations and sustainability,” the group said in its communication.

“Indy has been instrumental in our success in footwear,” said Arne Freundt. “He has excelled in a variety of key roles, including skilfully managing the challenges of the Covid pandemic, diversifying our supply chain and driving exceptional operational efficiency. Indy’s forward-thinking approach, people-focused mindset and constant willingness to challenge the status quo make him the ideal leader to drive our next phase of growth. I would like to thank Anne-Laure for her outstanding contribution to Puma’s business over the last few years, particularly in the implementation and execution of the sustainability strategy, which has brought Puma international recognition and awards in this area. I look forward to continuing to work with her as an external advisor.”

In its first half of 2024, which ended at the end of June, Puma saw its business slow down. Its sales reached €4.2 billion, up by 1.3% compared to the same period a year earlier before the application of exchange rates, but down by 2.1% in its accounts in euros. While sales rose by 5.1% in the Americas and by 1.2% in Asia-Pacific, they fell by 2.2% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Over the period, operating profit fell by 5.1% to €276 million.

However, for the year as a whole, Puma is expecting sales growth of around 5% after adjusting for exchange rates, and operating income of between €620 and €670 million.