January 2008
BEAVERTON, OR – NIKE, Inc., 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.
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