Nike Promotes John Hoke to Global Director of Footwear Design

John Hoke has been named global creative director of footwear design at Nike Inc. (Beaverton, Ore.). In his new role, Hoke is responsible for the overall vision and seasonal design direction of Nike's footwear division worldwide, including all creative activity related to design, form-making, color and positioning for women's, men's, children's and specialty footwear.

In 10 years at Nike, Hoke's designs have included the NikeTown and new Nike Goddess retail concepts; the Nike ID customized shoe program; and the design and implementation of the Nike web site, including branding and e-commerce.

“John embodies Nike's culture of innovation and has played an integral role in defining and expressing the Nike brand over the past decade,” said Mark Parker, president of the Nike Brand. “His creative leadership of the Nike footwear division will ensure Nike's continued industry leadership in both design and function and solidify our position as the most popular footwear brand in the world.”

Hoke was most recently global creative director of the Nike brand. He has also been the company's global creative director of image design, creative director of environmental design and a senior designer. Before joining Nike, Hoke worked for Michael Graves, a multi-disciplinary design firm, where he created architectural, industrial, graphic and product designs.

Hoke will be a keynote speaker at VM+SD's International Retail Design Conference, Sept. 18-20, 2002l, in Pasadena, Calif. For details, go to www.irdconline.com.