Nike Aligns Leadership to Drive Growth

Nike Brand President Charlie Denson recently announced management and organizational changes designed to strengthen alignment of the Nike brand with geographic growth opportunities and core global product categories and consumer segments. The moves evolve Nike from a product-driven business model supported by brand initiatives to a consumer-focused organization driving profitable growth through global category management of core business segments.

As part of the changes, Nike promotes Gary DeStefano, previously head of U.S. operations, to president, global operations, with profit and loss responsibility for the Nike brand's four geographic operating regions. Nike also promotes Trevor Edwards, previously vice president, global brand management, to vice president, global brand and category management, adding responsibility for consumer and category management, while continuing to lead brand management. In addition, Nike also created senior leadership positions for five core product category segments -- running, football (soccer), basketball, men's training and women's fitness -- each of which will be headed by a vice president reporting to Edwards.