Director of Government Relations – Shanghai

About the role

Adidas is looking for a senior leader to head government relations for Shanghai and surrounding provinces. The Director will act as the primary liaison with municipal and district authorities, ensuring the brand’s interests are aligned with public policy and community initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deepen strategic relationships with Shanghai municipal authorities, including the Foreign Affairs Office, Commerce Commission, Sports Bureau, Culture & Tourism Bureau, and Market Supervision Bureau.
• Design and lead engagement strategies with key district governments such as Xuhui, Huangpu, and Jing’an.
• Lead government‑supported CSR and social impact programs, including public‑private partnerships and community‑based sports initiatives.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret municipal policy developments and translate insights into actionable recommendations for business strategy.
• Coordinate cross‑functional initiatives that require government interaction, such as retail expansion, brand activations, major city‑level events, and pilot projects.
• Serve as the local point of contact for issues requiring government coordination, managing risks while safeguarding long‑term trust and brand integrity.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or related fields within China.
• Deep understanding of China’s political and regulatory landscape with established networks across relevant government agencies.
• Strong networks in domestic and international sports ecosystems across both public and private sectors.
• Demonstrated success in policy advocacy and government engagement.

Required skills