Scoring Success in Supply Chain at adidas

One Husky stands out in the pond of green and yellow Ducks that populate the adidas North American headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Zhihua Wang, proudly dressed in adidas University of Washington gear, cuts a distinct figure as he navigates campus. Above his desk hangs a large UW flag. Wang (MSCM 2020) is unmistakably all-in on purple and gold.

That Husky pride runs deep. His education at the Foster School of Business, specifically the Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program, helped him gain a strong foundation in supply chain. With a passion for sports and a long-term goal of working in the athletic industry, Wang built on that experience to launch his career at Amazon, which eventually led him to adidas.

Today, he is the Manager of Retail Excellence at Adidas, where he ensures stores maintain optimal inventory levels and meet seasonal forecasts. This role combines his interests in operations, data, and athletics.

“Working at adidas is a ‘dream come true’ moment for me,” says Wang. “I’m a huge sports fan. I grew up watching and playing sports, so I always wanted to be a part of this.”

Before joining adidas, Wang sharpened his skills with supply chain projects for Microsoft and Google, and later landed a full-time role at Amazon. For many, those might be considered career pinnacles. For Wang, they were formative steps toward a goal: using his Foster education to launch a long-term career at a company that aligned with his passions.

Putting a Foster supply chain management education to work at adidas

Wang applies his Foster-learned skills daily at adidas. From Power BI dashboards to performance analytics, he turns data into insight. But he also emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration, which are capabilities he honed during his time in the supply chain program.

“Before working in the U.S., I was more introverted. At Foster, I realized how important it is to communicate and be open with others,” Wang shares. “It’s not just about sharing your experiences; it’s about learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives. I’ve gained a lot of confidence, learned to communicate more effectively, and come to appreciate how much you can learn just by being open and willing to connect with others.”

Wang spent his first three and a half years at adidas on the e-commerce team before transitioning to a new role in Retail Excellence. In this position, he works closely with retail partners to optimize logistics for major campaigns, such as his recent work ensuring inventory accuracy and fulfillment for the Boston Marathon.

“I’ve only been in the role for a few months, so I’m still learning, but it’s been a great opportunity to see another side of the business, meet new people, and gain exposure to different functions.”

Making the most of the supply chain master’s

Wang first connected with Foster programs through a student exchange program during his undergraduate studies. He had the chance to meet supply chain management staff and sit in on classes.

“I knew Foster was the place I wanted to be, that this was my future,” he recalls.

His 12-month, STEM-designated master’s program included coursework in marketing strategy, channel management, and strategic sourcing. It also gave him real-world experience, including a capstone project consulting for Microsoft on supplier risk management and working with Google’s Ad Grants Online Marketing Program.

Those experiences directly contributed to his next role as a supply chain analyst at Amazon, which he secured soon after graduation.

Supporting the next generation of supply chain professionals

Committed to giving back, Wang has spent the last five years volunteering as a Foster Student Ambassador, providing guidance and encouragement to prospective supply chain students.

“When I was exploring the program, I connected with several student ambassadors who helped me understand what to expect, from the structure and pace of the program to how it prepared them for their careers. So many students, especially working professionals considering a career change, are in the same place I was then. If I can use my experience to help them feel more prepared, I’m more than happy to do that.”

“When you’re a student at UW, you’re in this incredible environment, not just academically, but culturally,” he continues. “You can attend a lecture on supply chain analytics and then walk across campus to catch a top-tier college football or basketball game. I always share that with prospective students: it’s an unforgettable experience. You’re learning from world-class faculty while being part of a campus and sports culture that keeps you energized.”

The Pacific Northwest connection: From Seattle to Portland

Though Wang lives and works in Portland, his ties to Seattle and the University of Washington remain strong. The two cities, just three hours apart, are part of the same economic corridor, especially when it comes to industries like technology, consumer goods, and sportswear. Professionals and ideas move fluidly between them.

Portland is home to companies like adidas, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear, while Seattle has major players in tech and innovation. Studying business in Seattle positioned Wang to understand both worlds, and made him a strong candidate for regional opportunities.

The adidas campus reflects his values perfectly. During a recent visit, Wang toured the soccer pitch where employees play pickup games, discussing the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and its impact on the Seattle sports community. Soccer isn’t just a passion for a handful of employees; it’s part of the culture at adidas. Even with a busy work schedule, Wang makes time for the game.

“I know I stand out here,” he laughs, pointing to other players dressed in “Ducks Green” and “Beaver Orange” (for the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, respectively). “But I love representing UW.”

With the University of Washington’s 10-year partnership with adidas in full swing, it’s fitting that a proud Husky like Wang is thriving within the company. His professional journey is more than a career story; it’s a testament to how the Foster supply chain management program can help students align their skills and passions with meaningful work.

Learn more about the Master of Supply Chain Management Program here.