Kelly Kikuta
Design Director at adidas Golf · adidas AG
Long Beach, CA
In My Own Words
Highly accomplished and visionary Design Director with over 25 years of experience in leading design teams and driving innovation in the footwear industry. As an ambitious professional with a global market perspective, I thrive in creative and collaborative environments. I’m committed to delivering cutting-edge designs at the highest level of excellence. I’m a passionate leader who possess a strong understanding of how to drive business growth through storytelling and product innovation.
Work Experience
Design Director - Adidas Golf
adidas AG2016 – Present
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.
Senior Footwear Designer - Skateboarding
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.2014 – 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.
Senior Footwear Designer - Skateboarding & Lifestyle
Globe International Ltd.2013 – 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
Design Director - Footwear, Bags & Accessories
Gravis Footwear at Burton Snowboards2010 – 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
Director of Footwear Design & Merchandising
Sole Technology Inc.- etnies, éS, Emerica, ThirtyTwo2009 – 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
Senior Designer - Footwear, Bags & Accessories
Gravis Footwear at Burton Snowboards2007 – 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
Design Director
DVS Shoes2000 – 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
Footwear Designer - Skateboarding
adidas group1999 – 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
Footwear Designer
DVS Shoes1997 – 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
Industrial Designer
Lum Design Associates1996 – 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
