Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2672

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Paul Fireman

CEO, Reebok

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.3B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Reebok

Industry

fashion-retail

Citizenship

Biography

Paul Fireman, born in 1944, is a prominent American businessman known for his significant impact on the athletic footwear industry. He is most recognized for acquiring the North American sales rights to Reebok in 1979 and transforming it into a global leader. Fireman spearheaded the introduction of the revolutionary Freestyle aerobic shoe in 1982 and successfully took Reebok public in 1985. After 26 years at the helm, he sold Reebok to Adidas in 2005 for $3.8 billion. Beyond his achievements with Reebok, Fireman is involved in golf course development and philanthropy through the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation. His estimated net worth is $1.3 billion. He is a US citizen.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Paul Fireman was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on February 14, 1944. He grew up in Brockton, Massachusetts, a city known as 'Shoe City'. Fireman attended Tabor Academy and Boston University but did not graduate.

Rise to Success

Fireman's career began at age 18, working in his family's business, Boston Camping. In 1979, he acquired the North American sales rights to Reebok. He eventually bought the English-based parent company in 1984. Under his leadership, Reebok introduced the world's first aerobic shoe, Freestyle, in 1982. The company went public in 1985, and Fireman established the Reebok Human Rights Awards in 1988.

Key Business Strategies

Fireman's success was driven by identifying and capitalizing on the growing aerobics trend of the 1980s. He recognized the potential of athletic footwear for women and introduced the Reebok Freestyle, a groundbreaking move that significantly boosted sales. He also expanded internationally, making Reebok a global brand. Fireman's ability to see market opportunities and innovate, particularly in women's fitness, was pivotal.

Philanthropy

The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, established in 1985, supports various causes. The foundation's primary focus is on ending family homelessness. The foundation also supports education, healthcare, and the arts.

Career Milestones

1979

Acquired Reebok North American sales rights

Fireman acquired the rights to sell Reebok shoes in the United States.

1982

Introduced Reebok Freestyle

Reebok introduced the Freestyle aerobic shoe, the first of its kind designed specifically for women.

1985

Reebok IPO

Reebok went public.

1988

Reebok Human Rights Awards

Established the Reebok Human Rights Awards.

2005

Sold Reebok to Adidas

Sold Reebok to Adidas for $3.8 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation

$XB

Supports ending family homelessness, as well as education, healthcare, and the arts.

Philanthropy

The First Tee

Unknown

Supports the First Tee whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy habits through the game of golf.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I tend to get right to the point."

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Identifying market trends and developing innovative products, like the Freestyle shoe.

Brand Building

Building a global brand with a strong identity and market presence.

Human Rights and Respect

Incorporating human rights standards into business practices.

Controversies & Challenges

2020

Liberty State Park redevelopment

Fireman funded a social media push to oppose the public redevelopment plan, pushing the narrative that it was "excluding communities of color from decision-making".