Nike Announces Organizational Changes To Aid Global Growth

Nike promoted USA Operations President GARY DESTEFANO to Global Operations President, with responsibility for the brand’s profits and losses in the four geographic regions -– the U.S.; Americas; Asia Pacific; and Europe, the Middle East and Africa — and promoted VP/Global Brand Management TREVOR EDWARDS to VP/Global Brand & Category Management. Both DeStefano and Edwards will report to Nike Brand President CHARLIE DENSON. USA Footwear VP & GM CRAIG CHEEK will replace DeStefano as USA Operations President, while VP/USA Marketing & Brand Management JOAQUIN HIDALGO will become VP/Global Marketing. Denson also announced the creation of senior leadership positions for five product segments –- running, soccer, basketball, men’s training and women’s fitness –- each of which will be headed by a VP that will report to Edwards (Nike). Nike spokesperson ALAN MARKS said that the changes are “designed to help Nike focus on countries where it predicts a great potential of growth, including China, Russia, Eastern Europe, India and Brazil.” The company forecasts growth in the U.S. as well, citing success with Jordan Brand and Nike Golf. Marks mentioned Nike Soccer “as an example of a division that quickly grew globally once assigned a specific team of people” (Portland OREGONIAN, 8/8).