Nike Inc.’s Converse and Jordan Brand are set to see new leadership after the Beaverton, Oregon-based sportswear firm revealed a number of changes within its executive ranks on Wednesday.
Converse CEO Scott Uzzell was named vice president/GM of North America at Nike, with a successor set to be named “shortly,” the company said.
The Converse business has improved in more recent years with revenue jumping 12% in constant currency to $612 million in Nike’s fiscal third quarter ended Feb. 28, the most recent quarterly data available. The brand’s gains in North America, up in the double digits, helped drive the quarterly performance.
Uzzell’s appointment also came with several other changes that are an attempt at further “integration” of the company’s business divisions, according to Nike Inc. CEO John Donahoe. The other changes include:
- President of Consumer & Marketplace Heidi O’Neill was named president of consumer, product, and brand at Nike Inc. The global brand marketing and global sports marketing teams are set to report into O’Neill.
- Jordan Brand President Craig Williams was named Nike Inc. president of geographies and marketplace. The position encompasses the direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses in addition to supply chain and logistics.
- Nike Vice President/GM of North America Sarah Mensah is set to be Jordan Brand president, reporting to Donahoe.
- Nike EVP and CFO Matthew Friend will see his duties expand with oversight of procurement, global places and services, and demand and supply management.
- COO Andy Campion was named managing director of strategic business ventures.
- President of Consumer Creation Michael Spillane is expected to retire later this year.
“These shifts will allow us to streamline our focus across product, brand storytelling, and marketplace, mining deep consumer insights to deliver breakthrough innovation and engagement, while building long-term growth and profitability,” Donahoe said in a statement.
Kari Hamanaka can be reached at kari@shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com.
Editor’s Note: For other recent industry executive moves, check out our coverage on Pacsun’s CEO appointment and Stance’s new president.
