Adidas Chief to Stay on Job

Adidas Chief Executive Robert Louis-Dreyfus, widely credited with turning around the German sporting-goods maker, plans to lead the company at least through 2000. Since taking charge in 1993, Louis-Dreyfus has increased spending on sponsorships, advertising and other marketing campaigns to regain market share lost to Nike Inc. and other rivals in the 1980s. In 1996, Adidas spent about $336 million, or 12.3%, of sales on marketing, up from 6.5% in 1992. Louis-Dreyfus’ decision to remain, announced at the company’s annual meeting, surprised some analysts who had expected him to step down and join its supervisory board next year.