Puma, the sportswear brand, was founded by Rudolf Dassler in 1948 in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Founder

Rudolf “Rudi” Dassler was a German cobbler and businessman who created Puma after previously working with his brother Adolf “Adi” Dassler in their joint shoe company. After a personal and business split between the brothers, Rudolf started his own firm that became Puma, while Adolf founded Adidas.

Brand origin

The original company name used by Rudolf was “Ruda,” derived from the first letters of his first and last name, before it was later changed to Puma. Puma was officially established as a separate sports shoe manufacturer in 1948 and later grew into one of the world’s largest sportswear brands.