Long-time Converse executive Jared Carver is set to take the helm of the footwear company on Thursday, about a week after parent Nike Inc. revealed several changes to its leadership team.
Carver succeeds Scott Uzzell as president and CEO of Converse after Uzzell was named Nike vice president and general manager for North America.
In total, Carver has clocked more than a decade at Converse, and has served as its North America GM for the past four years. Other roles he’s held at Converse include vice president and general manager of global digital direct, vice president of strategy, and director of strategy and business development for the European business. He’s also worked at Fanatics Inc. as vice president of strategy.
The incoming Converse CEO will report to Nike Inc. President and CEO John Donahoe. He takes on a business that, in its most recently reported quarter, saw revenue rise 12% in constant currency to $612 million. The growth was largely driven by Converse’s performance in North America, which was up double digits for the quarter ended Feb. 28.
Carver’s appointment comes on the heels of multiple changes to the Nike leadership team announced last week that allow for a more streamlined focus “across product, brand, storytelling, and marketplace,” Donahoe said in a statement.
Those executive changes included:
- President of Consumer & Marketplace Heidi O’Neill to president of consumer, product, and brand at Nike Inc.
- Jordan Brand President Craig Williams to Nike Inc. president of geographies and marketplace.
- Nike Vice President/GM of North America Sarah Mensah to Jordan Brand president.
- Nike EVP and CFO Matthew Friend gets expanded duties, with oversight of procurement, global places and services, and demand and supply management.
- COO Andy Campion to managing director of strategic business ventures.
Meanwhile, President of Consumer Creation Michael Spillane is set to retire later this year.
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 interview with Stance’s new president.
