After a year "chock full of executive changes," Nike
"mixed up" its management structure again this week,
according to Andy Dworkin of the Portland OREGONIAN, who
wrote that the changes include a new VP to oversee Nike's
golf, outdoor and Brand Jordan units and the shift of three
other execs into new VP jobs. Among the changes: KEVIN
WULFF was promoted from VP/U.S. to a "newly created
position" of VP/Nike Golf, All Conditions Gear and Brand
Jordan; CHARLIE DENSON, who was Nike's "No. 2 man in Europe
until six weeks ago," will assume the VP/U.S. role; FRITS
VAN PAASSCHEN, who was VP/Africa and the Americas (minus the
U.S.) is now VP/Europe; and ERIC SPRUNK, previously GM of
European footwear, is now VP/Africa and the Americas. Nike
spokesperson CORBY CASSLER said that the changes "should
foster more rapid growth in the company's golf, outdoor and
Jordan units in particular." Dworkin wrote that on Tuesday,
analysts said that the job changes "may be intended to
bolster Nike's relationships with retailers and reward some
of the managers" (Portland OREGONIAN, 4/12).
