Jean-Luc Diard
Experienced product leader and former Salomon executive who co-founded HOKA; helped design the oversized-rocker midsole concept and led early product and business strategy.
Best podcasts with Jean-Luc Diard
Ranked by the Snipd community
16 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 56min
HOKA: Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud. The “Clown Shoe” That Became a $2B Bonanza
Nicolas Mermoud, a mountain athlete and product designer who raced ultramarathons, and Jean-Luc Diard, a seasoned product leader from Salomon, built a radical cushioned, rocker-shaped running shoe. They discuss the risky “clown shoe” prototypes, proving performance through demos and races, manufacturing and cash-flow headaches, and the strategic partnership that unlocked U.S. growth.
