John Hoke to Lead Global Footwear at Converse, Strengthening
Product Creation and Innovation as the Brand Drives Exceptional Growth
BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2008--Nike (NYSE:NKE)
announced today that John Hoke, Vice President of Global Footwear
Design for the Nike brand, is moving into the newly created role of
Vice President, Global Footwear, for Converse, responsible for the
brand's global footwear product management, design, development and
innovation.
"A strength of the Nike portfolio is our ability to develop and
share creative talent, driving strong product innovation in each of
our brands," said Sandy Bodecker, Vice President of Global Design for
Nike. "As Converse continues to grow, the brand will benefit from the
leadership of an experienced Nike product design and development
leader who has played a significant role in the success of the Nike
brand. John has been instrumental in driving industry best practices
in footwear design at Nike and building a talented, diverse design
organization."
With Nike since 1992, Hoke was promoted to Global Creative
Director of Footwear Design in 2002, and to Vice President in 2003.
Before joining the global footwear team, John's primary role was with
Nike Brand Design, where he led the design and creative direction for
key successes such as the openings of Niketown New York and Niketown
London, Nike Park events at the 1998 World Cup in France, and Nike's
presence at global trade shows. An influential member of the broader
design community, Hoke is a member of the Board of Directors at Herman
Miller and the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts. His work has been
highlighted in numerous design periodicals.
As Converse celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2008, the iconic
global brand is generating exceptional growth. In fiscal 2007,
revenues increased 23 percent and pretax income increased 133 percent,
with Converse ending the year with its biggest global sales quarter
ever. The Chuck Taylor All-Star franchise continues to generate strong
sell-through in every model, and Converse continues to expand it
presence in performance basketball, athletic footwear, and lifestyle
footwear and apparel. Strong growth is continuing this year, with
Converse generating revenue growth of more than 40 percent for the
second quarter of fiscal 2008.
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; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of
luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; and Hurley
International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action
sports and youth lifestyle footwear. For further information about
Nike visit www.nikebiz.com.
CONTACT: Nike, Inc. Media Relations
Alan Marks, 503-671-2673
or
Nike, Inc. Investor Relations
Pam Catlett, 503-671-4589