Replaces Adam Helfant, who will leave the company

BEAVERTON, Ore., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) today announced that John Slusher, 38, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Asia Pacific and the Americas, has been named Vice President of Global Sports Marketing for Nike, Inc. Slusher will report to Nike CEO Mark Parker. Slusher replaces Adam Helfant, who will be leaving the company later this month.

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In addition to driving sports marketing strategy and execution in the Asia Pacific and the Americas regions, Slusher has been responsible for managing all dealings with U.S. pro leagues and has led negotiation teams for many of Nike's sports marketing agreements, including those for Brand Jordan and Converse. A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Southern California Law School, Slusher joined Nike in 1998 from O'Melveny & Myers, a private law firm located in Los Angeles.

"John has played a significant role in our sports marketing strategies for many years," Parker said. "I would like to thank Adam for his efforts over the last 12 years. We appreciate his contribution. John is well suited to take on this important role as Nike continues to lead as the brand most closely connected to great athletes and teams throughout the world."

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; NIKE Bauer Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel.

For further information about Nike visit http://www.nikebiz.com.