Adidas manager Jochen Denninger dies at 57

Jochen Denninger, most recently vice president of marketing operations at Adidas, has died at the age of 57.

Denninger passed away on August 23, according to a post on his LinkedIn profile published by his family on Tuesday. In the post, they expressed their “deepest gratitude” to his marketing operations team, manager Michelle Robertson, and CEO Bjørn Gulden. They noted that these individuals had offered the family support, compassion, and kindness during an “incredibly difficult time”.

“For 29 years, Adidas was an important part of his life. Throughout all those years, he not only dedicated himself to his work with passion and commitment but also built meaningful relationships and friendships with so many people along the way,” wrote Denninger’s family.

Denninger began his career with the Herzogenaurach-based sporting goods company in 1996 in product marketing. He later held various senior marketing positions, taking on the role of vice president of marketing operations at the beginning of 2024. Before his time at Adidas, he worked as a sales director for the former sporting goods manufacturer Rheingold Sport in Krefeld.