The appointment coincides with the sportswear major separating its India and Southeast Asian operations. Gellner will report directly to Christophe Bezu, senior vice-president for Asia-Pacific. Bezu said the separation would allow Adidas to " fully maximise the growth potential of the Indian market".
Gellner, 35, brings close to 10 years' of Adidas experience to his new role. In October 2000, he became one of the youngest-ever MDs of Adidas when he was promoted to the role in Malaysia. Under his leadership, Adidas Malaysia has consistently been one of the top performers in the Asia-Pacific region over the past few years.
Three global brands - Reebok, Adidas and Nike - have been aggressively competing for a bigger share of the an estimated US$43 million sportwear and fitness market in India. Adidas India has been going through difficult times following the exit of three top personnel, including ex-managing director Tarun Kunzru in early 2004, in what the company described as part of an "organisational restructuring". Since then Paul Hardisty, who was the Indonesia MD, has been in temporary charge in India.