// Adidas global HR boss Karen Parkin resigns after employees called her out on internal racism
// Parkin had been a member of the executive board since 2017
Adidas HR chief Karen Parkin has resigned after employees called for her resignation over claims of racial discrimination.
Parkin, who was also a member of the executive board, had been with the company for 23 years.
She first joined in 1997 as a sales director for Adidas’ UK business.
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Parkin has led Adidas’ global HR for over five years, and was appointed to the executive board in 2017.
“Her decision to leave the company reflects that commitment and her belief that a new HR leader will best drive forward the pace of change that Adidas needs at this time,” Adidas chairman of the supervisory board Igor Landau said.
“Therefore, it is with respect for her decision that we accept her resignation,” he said.
Adidas has now pledged to hire more black staff and invest in more university scholarships for black employees after facing several protests from employees against internal racism.
It has also pledged $120 million (£94 million) to black communities.
Fellow sportswear giant Nike had joined the protests against police brutality in late May after releasing a video whereby it took a stand against racism with a twist on its “Just Do It” slogan.
“For once, Don’t Do It. Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America,” Nike said in its video.
“Don’t turn your back on racism. Don’t accept innocent lives being taken from us.”
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