Olivier Bernhard

Olivier Bernhard is the Swiss co-founder of On Running, the innovative performance footwear brand known for its unique CloudTec® cushioning. Before launching On, Olivier was a professional triathlete and duathlete, earning three world duathlon championships and completing multiple Ironman races. After retiring from elite competition in 2005, he turned his focus to solving the limitations he experienced with traditional running shoes.

Driven by a desire to create a better running experience, Olivier began experimenting with prototypes—famously using pieces of garden hose to develop new sole designs. These early efforts laid the foundation for On’s signature running shoe technology, which combines soft landings with explosive take-offs.

In 2010, Olivier partnered with David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti to officially launch On in Zurich. The company quickly gained recognition for its innovation and performance, growing into a global brand worn by elite athletes and everyday runners alike.

Today, Olivier serves as the brand’s innovation leader, continuing to guide product development and ensure that every new design is tested and refined through real-world athletic performance. His experience as a world-class athlete, combined with his hands-on approach to design, has helped make On one of the fastest-growing athletic footwear companies in the world.

Olivier Bernhard’s story is one of endurance, creativity, and a relentless drive to improve the way people move.