BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today announced that executive Garry Cook
has been promoted from International General Manager to President of
the Jordan Brand.
Cook, 45, has been with Nike for almost 12 years, working in
various sales and general management roles in the United States and
Europe, including country sales manager for the United Kingdom,
regional apparel sales director for Europe, Middle East and Africa,
and general manager for Nike Team Sports in the United States. Most
recently as International General Manager for the Jordan Brand, Cook
developed a five-year strategic plan to grow the brand in Asia and
energize the Jordan Brand in Europe. In his new role, Cook will report
to Craig Zanon, head of global basketball for Nike.
"Garry brings strong management experience to his new role and a
consistent record of growing businesses," said Nike brand President
Charlie Denson. "The Jordan Brand is one of the jewels of the Nike
portfolio and has tremendous global opportunities as Nike continues to
extend its leadership position in the basketball category around the
world. We look forward to Garry's leadership as we enter the next
exciting chapter of the Jordan Brand."
Michael Jordan, commenting on Cook's appointment, said: "Garry has
demonstrated tremendous leadership in the global marketplace and is
perfectly poised to continue the growth of the Jordan Brand
worldwide."
Nike's first Air Jordan shoe was launched to great acclaim in
1985, Michael Jordan's rookie year in the NBA, and instantly became
the industry's best-selling basketball shoe. The Jordan Brand was
created in 1997 as a division of Nike and today is one of the game's
premium global brands on and off the court. The Air Jordan is one of
the world's most recognizable franchises, known for its signature
Jumpman logo, innovative technology in basketball and forward-thinking
fashion. Earlier this month, Jordan Brand unveiled the Air Jordan XX3,
celebrating 23 years of a legacy started by the most revered
basketball athlete in history.
For more information, contact:
Alan Marks, Nike Inc. Media Relations, 503-671-2673
Pam Catlett, Nike Inc. Investor Relations, 503-671-4589
About Nike
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; Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, which
designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories
and coats; NIKE Bauer Hockey Corp., a leading designer and distributor
of hockey equipment; and Hurley International LLC, which designs,
markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear,
apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.
About Jordan Brand
A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of
footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy,
vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made
its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of
performance and lifestyle products for both men and women. The Jordan
Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its
proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for
teachers. For more information on Jordan Brand, visit
www.Jumpman23.com.
SOURCE: NIKE, Inc.
Nike, Inc.
Alan Marks, Media Relations, 503-671-2673
Pam Catlett, Investor Relations, 503-671-4589