In October, tennis legend Roger Federer clinched his remarkable 103rd title in his hometown of Basel. As the 38-year-old Swiss sportsman’s future on the tennis court remains uncertain, he’s already embarking on exciting new ventures. On November 23rd, the renowned Swiss brand, On Running, proudly announced through its social media channels that Federer has officially joined their ranks as an entrepreneur.
In an Instagram post, On Running revealed, «Roger Federer, as an entrepreneur, will collaborate closely with us to shape the future of Swiss-engineered performance footwear and take On Running to unprecedented heights. His invaluable expertise will further ignite the winning spirit within our team. After all, who better to inspire excellence than a true champion?»
This partnership goes beyond a typical brand ambassadorship. Federer is deeply involved in creating new products slated for release in 2020. This collaboration extends to «brand building and global marketing,» meaning Federer will have an operational role within the dynamic team at this thriving Zurich-based brand. In a conversation with The New York Times, Federer shared his intention to provide insights on «connecting fans across cultures» and fostering a culture of ambition grounded in humility. He stated, «I believe I can provide leadership and motivate employees to dream big while staying grounded.»
This collaboration with the tennis legend, who also boasts a significant association with Uniqlo through a 300 million euro contract until 2027, promises to thrust On Running into the global limelight. FashionNetwork.com confirmed that the official launch of this groundbreaking partnership is scheduled to take place in New York.
As On Running garners increased attention, Roger Federer brings not only his star power but also his perspective shaped by international-level competition. His presence will undoubtedly fuel the development of fresh product categories within the On brand.
On Running emerged in 2010, founded by three innovators determined to revolutionize the running experience. Their revolutionary Cloud model, featuring groundbreaking Cloudtec technology, not only enhanced performance but also introduced a style previously unseen in the market.
This was just the beginning of On’s remarkable journey. The brand has consistently achieved an astounding annual sales growth rate, averaging an impressive 90%, with remarkable growth of 70% this year. While specific revenue figures remain undisclosed, On Running’s presence spans nearly 60 countries through approximately 7,000 retail locations.
According to Matt Powell, senior sports industry advisor at the NPD Group, On Running, alongside Hoka One One, stands out as the fastest-growing brand in the running market, steadily gaining market share. The brand, now employing around 500 individuals, is diversifying into new categories, expanding its apparel offerings, and recently unveiling a lifestyle range, debuting at Atmos Tokyo.
In a global context, the running shoe market presently boasts a value of approximately $13 billion. Looking ahead, forecasts predict annual sector growth ranging from 4.5% to 5% through 2024, signaling a bright future for brands like On Running as they continue to innovate and excel.
