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Zadeh kicks founder sentenced to 70 months for sneaker fraud

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Bloomberg

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January 7, 2026

The founder of sneaker reseller Zadeh Kicks was sentenced to almost six years in prison for a fraud conspiracy that led to the infamous collapse of the online platform and $80 million in losses for customers and financial institutions. 

Bloomberg

Michael Malekzadeh, 42, was sentenced Tuesday in Eugene, Oregon, to 70 months behind bars and ordered to forfeit more than $15 million in assets, federal prosecutors said in a statement. Last year, Malekzadeh pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank fraud. 

The sentencing signaled the end of a case that sent shockwaves through the sneaker reselling market, which reached record highs during the 2020 pandemic. Malekzadeh rode this boom to improbable heights, offering sought-after shoes at competitive prices from his warehouse in Oregon, even before manufacturers released them.

A lawyer for Malekzadeh didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. 

According to the US Attorney’s Office in Oregon, Malekzadeh “advertised, sold, and collected payments from customers for preorders knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed.” All in all, he owed customers more than $65 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of $15 million they’d loaned him, court records show. 

Malekzadeh used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, prosecutors said. Agents seized luxury watches, jewelry and hundreds of handbags during the investigation, court documents show.

As part of their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and his partner, Bethany Mockerman, the company’s chief financial officer, agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims. The judge set a restitution hearing for March 31.

The government said it raised $7.5 million from selling Malekzadeh’s residence in Eugene, his watches and luxury cars manufactured by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. 

In a separate case, Zadeh Kicks, which Malekzadeh founded in 2013, and all of its sneakers were taken over by a court-appointed receiver, who’s been in charge of liquidating its assets. 

The case is US v. Malekzadeh, 22-cr-262, US District Court, District of Oregon (Eugene).



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Olaplex said to attract takeover offer From Germany’s Henkel

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January 8, 2026

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By

Bloomberg

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January 9, 2026

Henkel AG has submitted a takeover offer for Olaplex Holdings Inc, according to people with knowledge of the matter, after the shampoo maker lost over 90% of its value since its initial public offering. The stock rose more than 36%. 

Olaplex

Olaplex and Dusseldorf, Germany-based Henkel are in talks about a potential deal that could come together within weeks, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.

Private equity firm Advent is Olaplex’s largest shareholder, with close to 75% ownership, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

No final decision has been made and the talks could end without a deal, the people said. Representatives for Advent and Henkel declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Olaplex didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Olaplex was up 25% to $1.69 at 2:45 p.m. in New York trading Wednesday, giving the company a market value of about $1.1 billion. It was worth $16 billion when it went public in 2021.

Olaplex, which makes shampoo and other hair products, was among a group of capital markets darlings such as sneaker maker On Holding AG and coffee chain Dutch Bros Inc. that went public at peak valuations.

Henkel manufactures chemicals for industrial and commercial goods and is the owner of hair-product brands including Schwarzkopf, its website shows.

Advent bought Olaplex in 2019 without disclosing terms, according to a statement at the time. Its products are sold to individuals consumers and are also used in professional hair salons.



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Puma appoints Nadia Kokni as vice president, global brand marketing

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January 8, 2026

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DPA

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January 9, 2026

The sports company Puma has appointed Nadia Kokni as vice president, global brand marketing, effective January 1. In this role, she will report directly to chief brand officer, Maria Valdes.

Nadia Kokni – PUMA

In her new role, Kokni will oversee the global brand marketing strategy and creative direction, as well as integrated marketing and communications. Her appointment comes as Puma advances its global brand ambitions and sharpens the storytelling around its iconic products and innovations.

Kokni brings extensive international experience in shaping and transforming leading global brands across sports, fashion and lifestyle. She has held senior positions at JD Sports, H&M, adidas, Tommy Hilfiger and, most recently, Hugo Boss, where she served as senior vice president of global marketing and communications. In that role, she led a large-scale brand transformation and accelerated digital initiatives.

“Nadia is a world-class marketing expert who has demonstrated her ability to build modern global brands through strategic clarity, creative excellence and cultural relevance,” said Valdes.

“Her appointment comes at an important time for Puma, as we bring product development and storytelling even closer together. With her leadership, Nadia will help us tell clearer product stories around the world, build greater brand desirability and forge deeper relationships with our consumers.”

Her appointment follows the decision to bring brand marketing, product, creative direction, innovation and go-to-market together into a single global organisation under the leadership of Valdes.

“I am delighted to join Puma at such an exciting time for the brand. The company has an impressive heritage and a clear opportunity to take a leading role at the intersection of sport, culture and performance. I look forward to working with Maria and the teams around the world to tell bold, meaningful stories that inspire our consumers and accelerate Puma’s next phase of growth,” said Kokni.

She replaces Richard Teyssier, who has decided to leave the sporting goods manufacturer to pursue new challenges outside the company.

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Canada Goose names new APAC leader, North America president departs

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January 8, 2026

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January 9, 2026

Canada Goose announced on Thursday Daniel Binder has been appointed president, Asia Pacific, alongside the reshuffling of other key positions at the luxury firm as its North America president departs.

Canada Goose

Continuing his role as chief transformation officer, Binder will now lead the APAC market, effective April, while relinquishing his role as EVP, global stores at the outerwear maker.

Binder is succeeded by Niclas Ekerot, who joins Canada Goose as SVP, global stores, effective immediately.

With more than 25 years of luxury retail experience, Ekerot has held held senior leadership roles at Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Gucci, and most recently Burberry. Here, the executive accrued expertise in global retail operations, brand elevation, and customer experience, which “will be instrumental as Canada Goose continues to strengthen and expand its retail presence globally,” said the Canadian firm.

The reshuffle comes as Jonathan Sinclair steps down as president, Asia Pacific. Sinclair, who previously served as the company’s chief financial officer, will remain as a company board member for its regional subsidiaries.

Meanwhile, Ana Mihaljevic, president of North America, will leave the Toronto-based company in February, after more than a decade of leadership at Canada Goose,. Carrie Baker, president, brand and commercial, will oversee the North America market on an interim basis.

Canada Goose said the management updates will drive continued growth in “key global markets,”…”unlocking regional potential, and ensuring continuity as the company executes its long-term strategy.”

“We are deeply grateful to Jonathan and Ana and thank them for their longstanding service and contributions, which have helped build the foundation for our next chapter,” said Dani Reiss, chairman and CEO of Canada Goose.

“We also welcome Dan and Niclas into their new roles. Dan’s proven ability to drive transformation and Niclas’s deep expertise in luxury retail will be critical as we scale our business in Asia Pacific and elevate our retail experience worldwide.”

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