Exclusive: Reebok SVP of Global Product Portia Blunt Exits Company
Portia Blunt, Reebok‘s senior vice president of global product, has stepped down from her role. She departed to focus on Bee Blunt, her lifestyle and fashion brand.
Blunt spent more than four years at Reebok, joining in February 2021 as its vice president of global apparel and creative direction. She was elevated to SVP of global product in January 2024, and was tasked with overseeing its $2 billion product engine, including product marketing, development and operations.
Blunt received multiple accolades during her time at Reebok, most notably the 2024 Women’s Icon Award from the Black Footwear Forum (BFF), an educational and networking event that takes place annually at PLC Detroit. Blunt currently serves as chairperson of the BFF advisory board.
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“Portia’s strength of leadership and creativity has not only contributed to Reebok’s success since she joined us, but has also left a lasting impact on the industry. Her dedication to mentoring and creating opportunities for up-and-coming professionals in footwear has helped shape the next generation of talent,” said Reebok president and chief executive officer Todd Krinsky. “While I’m sad to see her go, as is the team, I fully support her decision and the vision she has for Bee Blunt. I have no doubt she will continue to inspire and innovate, and I wish her all the best in her business.”
Prior to Reebok, Blunt spent nearly 12 years at New Balance, ending her run at the company in January 2021 as its director of global operations.
In 2022, the industry veteran founded Bee Blunt, a fashion brand she created to celebrate Black history and reveal the untold histories of Black American culture.
“It was hard making the decision to leave Reebok, a brand I have cherished leading, but Bee Blunt is a higher calling,” Blunt said. “I started the brand in order to share the stories of Black culture through the lens of classic American style. For too long, heritage fashion has been presented in a one-dimensional way. Bee Blunt is about expanding that narrative, celebrating the richness, depth and influence of my culture while staying true to the timeless essence of classic fashion. To celebrate our collective American history and the Black American culture through high-quality products where each piece tells a unique story.”
As reported, Reebok continues to make moves under parent Authentic Brands Group. The companies confirmed last week that Galaxy Universal has taken over Reebok’s footwear operations, retail stores and e-commerce, as well as leading Reebok’s global product creation, design and sourcing.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
