Nike has disclosed management and organisational changes within the company that are set to strengthen alignment of the Nike brand. "We're aligning with our biggest growth opportunities, both geographically in markets such as China, and in core product categories and consumer segments such as basketball and football (soccer)," said Nike Brand president Charlie Denson.

Previously head of US Operations, Gary DeStefano has been promoted to president, Global Operations, with profit and loss responsibility for the brand's four geographic operating regions—the United States, Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Previously vice president, Global Brand Management, Trevor Edwards has been appointed vice president, Global Brand and Category Management, with added responsibility for consumer and category management, while continuing to lead brand management.

In addition, senior leadership positions have been created for five core product category segments—running, soccer, basketball, men's training and women's fitness—each of which will be headed by a vice president reporting to Mr Edwards. The company expects to fill those positions shortly.

Succeeding Mr DeStefano as head of Nike USA will be Craig Cheek, who joined Nike in 1990 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in the company's US sales and footwear organisations. He was most recently vice president of US Footwear.

Previously vice president, USA Marketing and Brand Management, Joaquin Hidalgo has been appointed as vice president of Global Marketing. In his sixteen years with Nike, Mr Hidalgo has held senior leadership positions in the United States and Americas regions, and has been instrumental in building the company’s global football business.