NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a division of NexCen Brands, Inc.,
has appointed Darius Billings as director of retail brand marketing and merchandising. Billings is charged with the development of strategic brand growth and merchandising for NexCen’s retail concepts with a current emphasis on the re-branding strategies for The Athlete’s Foot (TAF).


Billings previously served as a merchandising trainer for Nike where he was responsible for implementing the Nike concept in stores throughout the east coast. Following his term at Nike, Billings served as both a product line manger and a retail marketing manager for And1 Basketball. Billings holds a bachelor of business administration degree in marketing from Howard University.


Billings will report to Jennifer Johnston, senior vice president brand marketing at NexCen Franchise Management.


“Darius’s extensive experience in marketing and merchandising are a perfect fit for TAF”, says Johnston, “and we are confident he will help strengthen TAF’s position as a leader in the athletic footwear market.”

Billings plans to introduce an increased assortment of performance and fashion apparel for the TAF retail space, along with new exclusives and private label product.


“I think I bring a new perspective to a renewed brand,” says Billings. “This is a great time to be working with the TAF brand. The recent re-branding efforts have created some nice opportunities for TAF, and I want to make sure we capitalize on these opportunities.”

 

In June, 2007, NexCen Brands launched a global re-branding effort for TAF. With a mission on meeting the needs of athletes everyday, there are plans for reinvigorating the 37 year-old brand to include an innovative new modular merchandising system, new in-store design, a modernized company logo, and a line of TAF branded apparel.