Adidas HR Head Forced to Resign. Will the Company Change Course?

Karen Parkin stepped down from her role after minimizing the existence of
systemic racism in Corporate America. Parkin allegedly described concerns about racism within Adidas as “noise” in the North American offices only and suggested management need not act according to news sources. I am sure other employees worldwide would disagree with this statement, allocating white supremacy to only America. As a result, 83 employees signed a letter sent to management requesting an investigation.

Adidas is a company that has benefited and profited from Black people,
particularly in America. It is undeniable that Jesse Owens helped them take off and springboard into the international arena. It is also well-documented that from as early as the 1980s, many Black athletes and entertainers have helped increase revenue and profit for the brand. Run DMC, a rap group from the 80s, had a song entitled “My Adidas” that drastically increased sales in the New York City area and throughout the country. It is rumored that German executives did not even know why until traveling there and hearing about the group. Therefore, Black people have irrefutably made the company what it is today. So, how does Adidas repay Black America?

Adidas would do well to understand the value creation it has experienced, largely in part, because of the African American race—like their competitor Nike. However, this is not to defend Nike, as they have their issues with race-based discrimination as well. Still, Adidas plans to fill 30% of its new positions with Black and Latino employees. We should approach this with caution, as the issue particularly focuses on the centuries-long discrimination against Black employees in its ranks, parallel to this group’s exponential contribution to the company’s success. When other groups get intertwined, the combination dilutes its effectiveness, especially since we have vague categories to what Latino includes.

This is a case study of race-based discrimination in the corporate world and the arrogance of those who are insensitive to it. It also highlights how many industries that disproportionately profit off Black people’s backs, such as sports, media, politics, and entertainment, want to maintain overwhelming control and dictate the rules. Saying that talk of racism is just noise is almost like saying slavery didn’t happen. It’s a bold-faced lie. Yes, racism is in America, but racism is global. European and South American countries like to think they are not as racist as their American counterparts while they perpetuate it more. Just look at places like Brazil and the economic situation the Black population finds itself in.

While it is notable that Karen Parkin stepped down from her role, I should note that the head of Human Resources’ role should be to listen, understand, and protect their employees while setting the people management strategy for the CEO. We see more cases that look like the position has become more of an uncool fixer role.