Adidas has appointed retired WNBA player Candace Parker as president of the brand’s women’s basketball division. Parker brings her illustrious career from the court to the boardroom, with 16 years of experience, two WNBA MVP titles, and multiple championships.
In 2010, Parker whose nickname is Ace, made history as the first woman to have a signature basketball shoe with Adidas, dubbed the Ace Commander.
Expressing her vision for genuine involvement in an exchange with Fast Company, Parker said, “I said to [Adidas], “I don’t want to be a mascot. I really want to be in the meetings, and I want to be a part of making decisions.”
In her new role as president, Parker will lead the charge in shaping a dynamic platform aimed at propelling the future of women’s sports forward. She will also be influential in continuing to build the WNBA Adidas roster which includes players like Aliyah Boston, Hailey Van Lith, Kahleah Copper, Aaliyah Edwards, Chelsea Gray, Betnijah Laney, Alysha Clark, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, and Erica Wheeler. Additionally Parker will oversee adidas women’s basketball products lines.
