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
In my own words
— KellyHighly 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.
Trajectory
May 2016 — Now
Design Director - Adidas Golf · adidas AG
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.
Jun 2014 — May 2016
Senior Footwear Designer - Skateboarding · New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
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.
Jan 2013 — May 2014
Senior Footwear Designer - Skateboarding & Lifestyle · Globe International Ltd.
• 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
Jun 2010 — Jan 2013
Design Director - Footwear, Bags & Accessories · Gravis Footwear at Burton Snowboards
• 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
Feb 2009 — Jun 2010
Director of Footwear Design & Merchandising · Sole Technology Inc.- etnies, éS, Emerica, ThirtyTwo
• 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
Jun 2007 — Feb 2009
Senior Designer - Footwear, Bags & Accessories · Gravis Footwear at Burton Snowboards
• 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
Dec 2000 — Jun 2007
Design Director · DVS Shoes
• 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
Dec 1999 — Dec 2000
Footwear Designer - Skateboarding · adidas group
• 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
Oct 1997 — Dec 1999
Footwear Designer · DVS Shoes
• 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
Apr 1996 — Oct 1997
Industrial Designer · Lum Design Associates
• Created design solutions for the home and car audio industry
• Produced concept sketches, renderings, and design packs
• Created branding, packaging, and logo design solutions
Activity
Education history
El Modena High School - Orange, California
High School Degree
California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor's of Science
