**Puma Taps Javier Ortega As General Manager Europe**
German sportswear group Puma has appointed Javier Ortega as General Manager Europe, effective October 1, 2023. Currently the company’s General Manager for Iberia, he succeeds Arne Freundt, who has decided to leave the company.
Ortega joined Puma in 2013 as Head of Global Retail and later took on the role of General Manager Iberia in 2017. Prior to joining Puma, he held various leadership positions at Nike across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including General Manager of Nike Spain.
In his new role, Ortega will be responsible for leading Puma’s business across Europe, including the development and implementation of the company’s long-term growth strategy in the region.
“Javier has a proven track record of success in the sportswear industry, and we are confident that he will continue to drive growth and innovation for Puma in Europe,” said Puma CEO Bjørn Gulden.
Ortega will report directly to Gulden and will be based at Puma’s European headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
**Puma Strengthens Leadership Team With New Appointments**
In addition to Ortega’s appointment, Puma has also announced several other changes to its leadership team.
**Alberto Landi Appointed General Manager Iberia**
Alberto Landi has been appointed General Manager Iberia, effective October 1, 2023. He succeeds Javier Ortega and will report to Arne Freundt, who is transitioning to the role of Senior Advisor to the CEO with a focus on key strategic projects.
Landi joined Puma in 2019 as Head of Product Line Management Apparel and has held various leadership positions within the company. Prior to joining Puma, he held senior roles at Nike, Asics and New Balance.
**Matthias Hartmann Appointed General Manager Central Europe**
Matthias Hartmann has been appointed General Manager Central Europe, effective October 1, 2023. He succeeds Arne Freundt and will report to Arne Freundt, who is transitioning to the role of Senior Advisor to the CEO with a focus on key strategic projects.
Hartmann joined Puma in 2014 as Head of Marketing Central Europe and has held various leadership positions within the company. Prior to joining Puma, he held senior roles at Nike and Adidas.
**About Puma**
Puma is one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For over 70 years, Puma has been producing high-performance, high-quality products for athletes, sports enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers worldwide.
The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs approximately 14,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.
Puma is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kering, a global luxury group that also includes brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga..
