Peter Ruppe’s name is synonymous with excellence in the athletic footwear industry. With over 40 years of experience in building and leading teams, primarily at Nike, Ruppe has left an indelible mark on the world of athletic footwear. Now, he is channeling his expertise and passion into ena athletics, the first premium Greek performance athletics company.
For Ruppe, ena represents more than just another brand—it’s a tribute to Greece’s rich athletic heritage and a commitment to innovation. He describes ena as a brand “born of Greek origins” highlighting how deeply the spirit of Greece influences every aspect of its identity. Ena’s products aren’t just inspired by Greek heritage but are crafted to embody the timeless qualities that Greece symbolizes: resilience, strength, and beauty.
One of Peter’s key priorities has been ensuring that ena’s products meet the highest standards of performance. To this end, ena’s flagship shoe, the Proto Runner, underwent extensive testing. Ena partnered with two leading lab facilities to conduct thorough testing, ensuring the shoe’s durability, comfort, and energy return were benchmarked against top competitors. A robust set of knowledgeable runners tested the shoe in diverse settings, further validating the Proto Runner’s quality and reliability. Peter’s commitment to this rigorous process underscores his belief in delivering only the best to athletes worldwide.
Peter attributes much of Ena’s momentum to the talented team behind it. He speaks highly of the “outstanding team” he’s working with at ena, singling out Manuele Bianchi, an award-winning designer responsible for the brand’s creative direction, and Thomas Thomaidis, who leads the team’s operations in Athens. According to Peter, their combined skills and shared vision are key ingredients for ena’s success.
Reflecting on his journey, Peter has found his work with ena to be one of the most creative and passionate efforts of his career. “I have not experienced a more creative and passionate effort as what I’ve invested into with ena,” he says. This enthusiasm and dedication are evident in every element of ena’s products and brand philosophy.
