Former Yeezy GM Jon Wexler becomes Shopify exec

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Sep 3, 2020

Canadian e-commerce company Shopify has named former Adidas executive Jon Wexler as vice president of its creator and influencer program.

Wexler will begin in his new role on September 14 and will be responsible for expanding "the company's partnerships with creators and artists, enabling scalable entrepreneurship for a whole new set of small businesses," according to a Complex report. 

“I’m a long-time admirer of Shopify, and I strongly believe in its mission to level the playing field for entrepreneurs,” Wexler said in a widely circulated statement.

“Joining Shopify to build and lead their creator and influencer program, I’ll have a unique opportunity to help makers and artists of all sizes and scopes build connections with their customers. That’s incredibly special.”

Before officially exiting earlier this week, Wexler worked with Adidas for 18 years and most recently served as general manager of Kanye West's Yeezy label. Previously, he has also served as the athleticwear giant's vice president of global entertainment and influencer marketing, global director of entertainment and influencer marketing and global brand manager, among other roles. 

Wexler has been credited with pivoting Adidas away from focusing exclusively on athletic partners to include brand partnerships with pop culture icons like Beyoncé, Pharrell and of course, Kanye West, significantly growing the brand's reach and audience. 

Prior to his time with Adidas, Wexler also served as director of lifestyle marketing for Converse.

"I don't think Wex gets enough credit for just how transformative not being so focused on athletes was for Adidas," said Loren Padelford, vice president and general manager at Shopify, in an interview with Complex.

"Focusing on those creators and that community that had been left aside and not paid attention to from this industry. That, to me, was such a great insight.

"If you look at Shopify and you look at the potential of what Shopify can bring to a creative mind who wants to expand. I think, my hope is, and I have no doubt this will happen, Jon will bring that same innovation and creative insight to the business."