Availability dot

Available to book

CEO transforming iconic footwear brands

David Kahan

CEO of Birkenstock Americas, David Kahan drives brand growth, retail strategy, and consumer engagement. He leads footwear industry transformation, drawing on expertise from Nike, Reebok, and Adidas, steering a 240-year-old brand to global breakthrough success.

Trusted by Nike, Reebok, Birkenstock

David Kahan, Speaker | CEO, Birkenstock Americas
David Kahan

David Kahan

San Francisco, United States

Typical fee range

Contact PepTalk for fees

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get David's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book David

San Francisco, United States

Starting from

Contact PepTalk for fees

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire David Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

David Kahan's biography

At a glance

  • Pioneered Macy's Athletic Club and footwear sales
  • Led Reebok North America through major acquisition
  • CEO driving Birkenstock Americas brand growth
David Kahan has built a long career in sporting goods, athletic apparel, and footwear, beginning as a part‑time sales associate at Macy’s while in college. After graduating, he completed Macy’s Executive Training Program and became the company’s first-ever Athletic Footwear Buyer. As he likes to say, he “went from working 15 hours a week in the store to 15 hours a DAY.” He launched the Macy’s Athletic Club, helping Macy’s become the largest department store retailer of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories in the U.S.; that success was covered in national outlets including the New York Times. Hired by Nike, Kahan became one of the company’s youngest managers and helped implement a strategic accounts management process that became an industry standard. He later served as Head of Reebok North America, managing a $1.6 billion business and participating in the leadership team through the company’s acquisition by the Adidas Group in 2006. He then contributed to the integration of the organizations and assumed leadership responsibility for Rockport, which introduced him to the brown‑shoe market. In 2013 Kahan took responsibility for Birkenstock in the U.S. He says, “We are the stewards of a brand that is now over 240 years old and dates back to a small village in Germany. In a world where fast fashion has become so widely accepted, we are the polar opposite — we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality, handmade engineering, and the values that are consistent with a fine German‑manufactured brand. We never compromise our brand values and we believe consumers are drawn to us because they share an emotional connection with our amazing brand and our products which give them healthy benefits.” Kahan is now Chief Executive Officer of Birkenstock Americas and is widely credited with helping drive the brand’s recent breakthrough. He serves on the boards of the FDRA (Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America), the Two Ten Foundation, and FFaNY (Fashion Footwear Association of New York).

David's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking David

David transformed retail and brand performance across Macy’s, Nike, Reebok and Birkenstock, scaling Macy’s athletic business, managing $1.6B at Reebok, leading Birkenstock’s U.S. breakthrough, and bringing strategic accounts, integration, and board-level expertise rooted in brand stewardship and operational growth.

Check David's availability

Trusted by Nike, Reebok, Birkenstock

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book David Kahan for my next event?
Email david.kahan@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure David Kahan for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about David Kahan's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting David Kahan directly.
What is David Kahan's speaking style like?
Previous bookers say David Kahan connects well with audiences and speaks with clarity, confidence, and ease.
What topics does David Kahan specialise in?
Email david.kahan@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure David Kahan for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about David Kahan's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting David Kahan directly.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.