Nike’s head of footwear design takes up new role at Converse
Vice president of global footwear design for the Nike brand, John Hoke, is moving into the newly created role of vice president, global footwear, for Converse. He will be responsible for the brand’s global footwear product management, design, development and innovation.
Mr Hoke joined the company in 1992, becoming global creative director of footwear design in 2002. He started his current role in 2003. He is on the board of directors at Herman Miller and the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts.
Converse celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2008 and posted a 23% increase in revenues for 2007. Pretax income was up 133% and the brand ended the year with its biggest global sales quarter ever. It anticipates revenue growth of more than 40% for the second quarter of fiscal 2008.
Meanwhile, Nike is launching a pan-European marketing campaign to inspire a new generation of female athletes. The ‘Here I Am’ campaign, which is being promoted by female sports people including Paula Radcliffe, Perri Shakes-Drayton and Zoe Gillings, aims to stimulate women’s participation in sports and to provoke debate about the coverage of women’s sport.
Paula Radcliffe comments: “Increased confidence and self-esteem gained through sport are some of many benefits which can translate into successful studies, careers and social lives. I’m pleased to see Nike engaging in a campaign to celebrate girls who play sport, encourage more girls to do so, and raise the profile of women’s sport generally.”
