Sportswear giant PUMA has announced the appointment of Thomas John as its new Vice President of People & Organization, a key leadership role overseeing the company’s global human resources strategy and organizational development. Thomas will officially join the company on October 16, reporting directly to PUMA CEO Arthur Hoeld.
With nearly 30 years of experience in human resources, Thomas John brings extensive expertise across a wide range of industries, including sporting goods, aviation, automotive, and energy solutions. His appointment marks a significant move for PUMA as it continues to strengthen its focus on people, culture, and performance.
Before joining PUMA, Thomas served as Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources at Landis+Gyr, a leading provider of energy management and smart metering solutions. In that role, he led major global transformation projects and successfully implemented HR strategies across more than 30 countries, driving organizational change and operational efficiency.
Earlier in his career, Thomas held senior HR roles at major global companies such as KLM, adidas, and Mann+Hummel. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for connecting human resources strategy directly with business goals. His work has focused on leadership development, talent management, organizational growth, and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.
PUMA CEO Arthur Hoeld expressed confidence in Thomas’s ability to strengthen the company’s organizational capabilities. “Thomas offers a wealth of experience when it comes to human resources strategy, organizational development, and leadership,” Hoeld said. “He is deeply familiar with the challenges and opportunities in our industry. I am confident that his strong background in organizational transformation and global HR management will help us take PUMA’s operational excellence to the next level.”
As Vice President of People and Organization, Thomas will play a central role in shaping PUMA’s people strategy — from building leadership pipelines to enhancing workplace culture and driving global collaboration. His focus on aligning people with business performance fits closely with PUMA’s mission to remain agile, innovative, and inclusive as a global sports brand.
Thomas John’s appointment comes as PUMA continues to grow and compete in an evolving sportswear market. The company, recognised for its commitment to performance and sustainability, has been investing heavily in talent development, diversity, and digital transformation to remain ahead in a rapidly evolving environment.
Thomas will succeed Dietmar Knoess, who has decided to pursue new opportunities outside the company. Under Knoess’s leadership, PUMA made significant progress in strengthening its human resources structure and company culture, achievements that Thomas aims to build upon.
With his extensive experience in global HR leadership and a proven track record of driving change, Thomas John’s arrival signals a new chapter for PUMA’s people-first approach. As he steps into his new role, PUMA appears poised to continue fostering an empowered, connected, and high-performing global workforce, one that supports its mission to be the fastest sports brand in the world.
