Nike Inc. (Beaverton, Ore.) has named Lee Bird president, subsidiaries. Effective July 10, Bird will lead new business development and long-term growth strategies for the company's Converse, Cole Haan, Hurley International and Exeter Brands Group businesses, reporting directly to ceo Mark Parker.
Bird was most recently executive vp, new business development, for Gap Inc. (San Francisco). Prior to that, he'd been chief operating officer of Gap and cfo of Old Navy.
“Lee has terrific brand, retail, operations and leadership experience,” Parker said. “Nike's subsidiaries are an important part of our long-term growth strategy to bring innovation and new consumer experiences to customer segments not served by the Nike brand.”
Nike has significantly expanded its corporate portfolio in recent years with the creation of Exeter Brands Group in 2004, the acquisition of Converse in 2003 and Hurley International in 2002. Cole Haan has been part of Nike Inc. since 1988.