Angus Wardlaw

Global sportswear executive with 20+ years of leadership experience in innovation product development and operational transformation across footwear and apparel.

About

Angus Wardlaw holds a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering with Management Techniques from The University of Edinburgh, obtained in 2003. His career spans engineering and leadership roles across diverse sectors, including initial experience as a Mechanical Engineer at Reactec Limited and as a Founder Principal Consultant at Nimlin Sports Limited. Wardlaw has held significant positions in the footwear and apparel industry, including Vice President of Footwear Operations at Fila USA and Vice President of Global Business Development at Revobit. He also served as Head of Innovation for Footwear and Apparel at ANTA Sports Limited. His extensive tenure at Adidas AG includes roles such as Director of the Future Innovation Team, Senior Development Engineer II, Category Leader for Golf Footwear, Development Manager for Running Footwear, and Mechanical Engineer within the adidas Innovation Team.

Education

The University of Edinburgh

B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering with Management Techniques, Mechanical Engineering with Management Techniques / 2003

Experience

Reactec Limited

Mechanical Engineer / September, 2002 — May, 2003

Developed a ski testing rig for in lab simulation and testing of ski vibrations. Supported the development of a novel vibration damping system.

Nimlin Sports Limited

FOUNDER PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT / December, 2024 — December

Independent consulting practice supporting global sportswear and outdoor brands with strategy product creation sourcing testing and operations. Delivered strategic RD calendar and manufacturing systems support for brands including Lululemon. Supported Asia-based sourcing transitions digital tooling strategy and innovation pipeline planning for multiple clients.

Fila USA

VICE PRESIDENT Footwear Operations / October, 2023 — November, 2024

Revitalised Filas footwear operations by rebuilding product creation and testing processes enabling consistent delivery of premium-quality performance and lifestyle footwear. Optimised the product calendar and streamlined SKUs from 2000 to 450 achieving efficiency and protability. Established a Vietnam-based supply chain network reducing dependency on China and cutting production lead times. Developed a agship running shoe and integrated advanced technology outperforming industry leaders in consumer tests.

Revobit

VICE PRESIDENT Global Business Development / January, 2021 — October, 2023

Led the SME team in RD commercialisation sourcing and business strategy driving the development of a digital platform for footwear and apparel innovation. Successfully expanded EU operations enhancing client adoption of 3D design tools for live sales customisation with major retailers.

ANTA Sports Limited

HEAD OF INNOVATION Footwear and Apparel / January, 2018 — January, 2021

Built ANTAs rst cross-category innovation roadmap driving advancements in performance sustainability smart products and speed-to-market. Established a world-class innovation centre including state-of-the-art labs for sports science mechanical engineering and 3D printing. Recruited and managed a 35-member team of global experts across disciplines delivering multiple consumer-driven innovations.

Adidas AG

DIRECTOR - FUTURE Innovation Team / October, 2014 — June, 2017

Directed the innovation process for the Ultraboost franchise generating 2B+ in sales and dening the premium running category. Led the cross-functional development of groundbreaking products including Pureboost X and Futurecraft AM4.

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II - FUTURE Innovation Team / May, 2011 — September, 2014

Oversaw product innovation and manufacturing advancements contributing to the launch of Boost technology with over 100 million pairs sold. Developed Energy Boost a agship product generating 72M in its rst year representing an 80% increase over prior models.

CATEGORY LEADER - Golf Footwear / January, 2009 — December, 2011

Location: Guangzhou China.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - Running Footwear / January, 2007 — December, 2009

Location: China Germany.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - Running Footwear / January, 2004 — December, 2007

Location: Herzogenaurach Germany.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER - adidas Innovation Team / January, 2003 — December, 2004

Location: Herzogenaurach Germany.

Links & Social Media

Personal Web Site

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