The battle for leadership
John A. Quelch
In the 80s, Reebok overtook Nike in market share, driven by the booming aerobic shoe craze. However, success was short-lived.
As our chairman John Quelch explains, Reebok struggled to evolve beyond its niche and maintain its position as a market leader. Meanwhile, Nike responded strategically by expanding its performance focus and signing Michael Jordan, creating one of the most iconic athlete-brand partnerships ever.
The takeaway? Growth is only part of the journey; sustaining leadership requires innovation, adaptability, and a clear long-term vision.
