Hernán de Santis

Hernán De Santis serves as the Senior Director of Materials Strategy & Innovation at adidas, having joined the company in July 2011. In this role, Hernán leads the materials strategy for both Footwear and Apparel business units, overseeing processes that turn creative vision into practical applications. Previous positions at adidas include Senior Director of Footwear Materials and Director of Innovation Management, where Hernán directed teams to align material developments with strategic objectives and managed the commercialization of innovations. Hernán's background also includes significant roles in chemical engineering and materials sourcing, with experience in leading international projects and negotiating contracts. Prior to adidas, Hernán conducted research on electro-active polymers at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and performed various engineering internships, including ceramic material characterization and composite material development. Hernán holds a degree in Materials Science/Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata.