Nike Announces Leadership In Greater China And North America

Nike, Oregon -- (business information) -- Nike (NIKE, Inc., New York Stock Exchange: NKE) announced new regional leadership in Greater China and North America to continuously promote and accelerate the development of these two largest regional markets.

Nike is pleased to announce that CraigCheek, the senior member of the company, will become vice president and general manager of Greater China.

CraigCheek was previously a vice president and general manager of Nike North America, managing the development of the US and Canadian markets.

Cheek has proved its ability to strategise in big companies and has been playing an important role in expanding Nike's business in North America.

Cheek knows Nike's customers very well. He has been promoting innovative strategies through product, sales and marketing in his 20 year career.

Cheek has been Nike's senior management position in the field of sales, product development and integrated management.

As vice president and general manager of Greater China, Cheek will take over WillemHaitink's position and be responsible for GaryDeStefano, Nike's global operations director.

WillemHaitink will become vice president and general manager of CONVERSE EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa).

As vice president and general manager of CONVERSE Europe, Middle East and Africa, Haitink will be responsible for CONVERSE's business outside the UK and is responsible for NickStowe, CONVERSE's senior vice president.

In the past five years, Haitink has been responsible for and promoted the strong growth of the Greater China market, making Nike a truly market leader in the region.

During the period, the Haitink leadership team achieved success in the Beijing Olympic Games, set up the brand image of Nike in China, enhanced the connection with consumers, and increased and expanded the retail business of Nike.

Over the past 15 years, he has been working in Nike for many senior leadership positions, including general manager of Nike Mexico District, and head of central Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

ElliottHill is an experienced and efficient leader who will succeed Cheek in Nike's North American business.

Previously, Hill served as vice president of Nike global retail, responsible for managing the growth and innovation potential of Nike's direct selling business.

Under his leadership, Nike continues to promote brand value growth and enhance competitiveness in challenging markets.

Fighting with Nike for more than 22 years, it has held various senior positions in the company's sales, product and retail organizations all over the world.

In the new position as vice president and general manager of North America, Hill will be responsible for GaryDeStefano, global managing director.

GaryDeStefano, chief executive of global operations, said: "WillemHaitink has led a strong growth in Nike's Greater China business. Now we look forward to the continuation of Nike's momentum in this important market under the leadership of CraigCheek.

Craig will lead us forward to achieve the goal of doubling our performance in Greater China in 2015.

Our brand position is rock solid in North America, and ElliottHill will continue to enhance Nike's leadership in this region.

Hill has a wealth of experience. Under his guidance, the company will focus on product categories and enhance the retail experience of all sales channels so as to continue to strengthen its links with consumers. "

*

About Nike

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of real sports shoes, sportswear, sports equipment and sports accessories. Its products are widely used in a range of sports and fitness activities.

Nike's wholly-owned subsidiaries include CONVERSE, ConverseInc., which designs, distributes and distributes sports shoes, sportswear and sports accessories; designs, marketing and distributes ColeHaan, a high-end shoe, handbag, accessories and coats; the UK based world leading football brand Umbro Ltd (UmbroLtd.); and designs, marketing and marketing extreme sports and youth fashion styles HurleyInternationalLLC of footwear, clothing and accessories.