Eric Liedtke

Eric Liedtke is the executive vice president of brand strategy at Under Armour. He is also the co-founder of the UNLESS Collective, a company that manufactures plant-based streetwear designed to leave zero plastic waste, acquired by Under Armour.

Before he founded UNLESS Collective, Liedtke was chief marketing officer of Adidas. During his tenure at Adidas, he introduced a significant shift in the company's production process. His initiative to incorporate the use of recycled plastics in the creation of the Adidas Parley shoes marked a turning point in the company's approach to sustainable manufacturing. This effort was aimed at eliminating the use of new plastic from Adidas' supply chain and increasing the use of recycled materials in the production of athletic products.

The Adidas Parley line of products, including the "UltraBOOST Uncaged Parley" and other Adidas Originals shoes, utilized recycled ocean-bound plastic. This was a clear testament to Liedtke's innovative approach to environmental sustainability within the realm of athletic wear. His initiatives extended beyond footwear, however, as under his leadership, Adidas partnered with conservation organization Parley for the Oceans to create various performance football products.

In 2017, this collaboration brought the "Run for the Oceans" event to life, designed to raise awareness about ocean conservation. In addition, the partnership led to the production of Adidas x Parley jerseys for top-tier football clubs such as Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munich, and Manchester United FC, as well as for Major League Soccer clubs. Liedtke's efforts at Adidas reflect his dedication to sustainability, innovative production processes, and the intersection of environmental consciousness with the world of sports.