Kelly Kikuta
Design Director at adidas Golf
Long Beach | US
Skills
- Creativity and Innovation
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Footwear Design
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Design
Interests
No information
Industries
No information
Summary
Activity
Work experience
adidas AG
Design Director - Adidas Golf | 05/2016 - Current
As Director, I oversee the entire design process, from concept to production, ensuring each product upholds the brand’s vision and quality standards. I manage a team of designers, providing creative direction, technical expertise, and strategic decision-making. As the team lead, I collaborate directly with key business partners to align product stories with market opportunities and business goals.
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
Senior Footwear Designer - Skateboarding | 06/2014 - 05/2016
As senior designer, I was responsible for creating the entire performance footwear collection. Leveraging the brand’s reputation for authenticity and innovation, I combined rider feedback, market trends and digital technology, resulting in top tier models for the skateboard footwear market.
Globe International Ltd.
Senior Footwear Designer - Skateboarding & Lifestyle | 01/2013 - 05/2014
• Established newly formed North America based design and merchandising team
• Led footwear design and merchandising with an emphasis on the North American market
• Managed liaison responsibilities between Australia, Europe and North America offices
• Designed across multiple categories including skateboarding, beach, and lifestyle
• Worked with brand ambassadors in creating market-leading product within the action sports industry
Gravis Footwear at Burton Snowboards
Design Director - Footwear, Bags & Accessories | 06/2010 - 01/2013
• Spearheaded the creation of the first Gravis skateboard footwear collection
• Recognized for creating ground-breaking product designs that transcended the action sports market
• Created product designs across the footwear, bag and luggage categories
• Collaborated with professional athletes and emerging artists to create unique product collections
• Worked closely with global merchandising, marketing and sales teams to align on market opportunities
• Co-directed product photoshoot and visual merchandising
Sole Technology Inc.- etnies, éS, Emerica, ThirtyTwo
Director of Footwear Design & Merchandising | 02/2009 - 06/2010
• Managed global footwear design and product marketing teams for etnies, éS, Emerica, ThirtyTwo
• Oversaw design reviews and product creation across all Sole Tech brands
• Collaborated with design, development, planning, production and innovation teams
• Worked closely with EU and US merchandising and sales teams on seasonal product initiatives
• Led seasonal market visits to gain valuable consumer insights and retailer feedback
Gravis Footwear at Burton Snowboards
Senior Designer - Footwear, Bags & Accessories | 06/2007 - 02/2009
• Spearheaded the creation of the first Gravis skateboard footwear collection
• Recognized for creating ground-breaking product designs that transcended the action sports market
• Created product designs across the footwear, bag and luggage categories
• Collaborated with professional athletes and emerging artists to create unique product collections
• Worked closely with global merchandising, marketing and sales teams to align on market opportunities
• Co-directed product photoshoot and visual merchandising
DVS Shoes
Design Director | 12/2000 - 06/2007
• Led the footwear creation process from concept to production
• Managed and inspired footwear design and development teams
• Worked with brand ambassadors to create unique market leading innovations within action sports
• Liaison between US headquarters and Asia development centers
adidas group
Footwear Designer - Skateboarding | 12/1999 - 12/2000
• Developed footwear concept renderings, tech packs, shell patterns and prototypes
• Conducted global product line presentations and design reviews
• Collaborated with product marketing, development, engineering and prototyping teams
• Worked with brand ambassadors in creating innovative products within the skateboard industry
DVS Shoes
Footwear Designer | 10/1997 - 12/1999
• Produced footwear design concepts, renderings, tech packs and prototypes
• Collaborated with Asia development and production factories
• Worked with brand ambassadors to create unique market leading innovations within action sports
Lum Design Associates
Industrial Designer | 04/1996 - 10/1997
• Created design solutions for the home and car audio industry
• Produced concept sketches, renderings, and design packs
• Created branding, packaging, and logo design solutions
Education history
El Modena High School - Orange, California
High School Degree
California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor's of Science
