Lululemon Taps Ex-Nike Exec After $9B-$45B Sales Growth; Puma Adds Wholesale VP
Lululemon will install 25-year Nike veteran Heidi O’Neill as CEO on Sept. 8 after she helped grow Nike sales from $9 billion to $45 billion. Puma named Bertrand Blanc VP of global wholesale on May 1 and Laurent Fricker VP of sportstyle on June 1 to intensify rivalry with Nike.
1. Lululemon Names Experienced Nike Veteran as CEO
Heidi O’Neill, a 25-year Nike veteran credited with growing Nike’s sales from $9 billion to $45 billion, will assume the role of CEO at Lululemon on Sept. 8. She succeeds interim co-CEOs Meghan Frank and André Maestrini and will be based at the company’s Vancouver headquarters.
2. Puma Strengthens Wholesale and Sportstyle Leadership
Puma appointed Bertrand Blanc as vice president of global wholesale effective May 1 to drive revenue and elevate brand presence at key accounts. Laurent Fricker will join as vice president of the sportstyle business unit on June 1 to sharpen product storytelling and market execution.
3. Competitive Implications for Nike
These leadership moves at two of Nike’s closest rivals could accelerate product innovation, deepen consumer engagement and intensify market share battles. Nike may need to reinforce its own wholesale strategies, brand initiatives and digital expansion to maintain its position in the athletic apparel sector.