NIKE Inc announced that Craig Zanon has been named Vice President and General Manager (GM) of Global Basketball, driving continued market leadership and growth.
Zanon brings more than 17 years of key U.S. and global Nike experience to the role. Most recently, Zanon was leading consumer categories for Nike’s U.S. business. From 1997-2004, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Nike’s U.S. footwear business. He led the Americas region from 1995-97, during which time he established Nike-controlled businesses in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico and independent distributors throughout the rest of the region.
He also established the current regional U.S. management structure to better serve customers and retailers. He succeeds Larry Miller, who recently was named Team President of the Portland Trail Blazers. Zanon reports to Trevor Edwards, Nike’s Vice President of Global Brand and Category Management.
“Craig takes over a very strong performing business and brings tremendous Nike experience to the role,” Edwards said. “He understands how to go deep with consumers and create innovative, rich brand experiences. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to drive energy and momentum in basketball worldwide.”
Nike is the undisputed leader of the global basketball market, with top market share and relationships with the game’s best players. In the United States, the company recently announced a partnership with Foot Locker to open up to 50 House of Hoops retail stores dedicated to basketball and featuring exclusively Nike, Jordan and Converse product.
The first House of Hoops by Foot Locker store is expected to open in New York in early 2008. In Europe, the company recently announced a five-year partnership as the official basketball supplier for Euroleague Basketball. In China, basketball is a key growth driver as one of the country’s most popular sports.
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 Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories.
