Nike Names VP of Diversity

November 15, 2006
SGB Executive SGB Update
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NIKE, Inc. name Gina Warren as the company's new VP of diversity. The announcement follows the resignation of Donna DeBerry, who joined Nike in mid-September but has informed the company that for personal reasons she was unable to relocate with her family to Portland and will resume her consultant business in diversity.

Warren, a seven-year Nike veteran, will assume the role of further integrating diversity into Nike's global business strategies and employer of choice practices. The senior level corporate leadership position underscores Nike's strong belief that diversity creates competitive advantage, both in attracting, developing and leveraging diverse talent inside the company as well as in building strong brand relationships with diverse consumers worldwide.

“We wish Donna well. While the leadership may change, our commitment to diversity has not,” said Parker. “Diversity is a competitive advantage and growth opportunity for us. Gina has already made several significant contributions towards building more inclusive work environments at Nike that foster diverse ideas, nurture people with varied talent and backgrounds, and create strong relationships with diverse communities.”

Warren has led the Office of Global Diversity since 2002. Under her leadership, Nike conducted its inaugural global Cultural Assessments, which have helped Nike examine its workplace culture, and informed the company on how to better optimize the talents of all employees. Warren organized Nike's first two women's leadership conferences and helped establish the Global Women's Leadership Council.

“I'm truly honored to accept this elevated responsibility within Nike that already has such strong connections to diverse consumers, athletes and communities around the world,” Warren said. “I look forward to further innovating strategies with my colleagues to increase our connection to an evolving, diverse consumer base.”

From 1999 to 2002, Warren served as director of Nike Global Community Affairs and the Nike Foundation. Prior to joining Nike, Warren directed community relations for Levi Strauss and Co. and its foundation, and worked for AT&T and its foundation in community relations, human resources and other capacities. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Arizona State University.

Nike Names VP of Diversity

August 29, 2006
SGB Update

Nike, Inc. appointed Donna DeBerry as its first Vice President of Diversity. In this newly created role, DeBerry will help to further integrate diversity into Nike’s global business strategies and employer of choice practices.

Establishing a senior corporate-level leadership position underscores Nike’s strong belief that diversity creates competitive advantage, both in attracting, developing and leveraging diverse talent inside the company as well as in building strong brand relationships with diverse consumers worldwide.

“Were extremely excited to have Donna joining Nike in this new leadership role,” said Nike, Inc. CEO Mark Parker. “Diversity is a competitive and comparative growth opportunity for us. Innovation is a core driver of Nike’s growth. The best innovation comes from inclusive work environments that foster diverse ideas, nurture people with diverse talent and backgrounds, and create strong relationships with diverse communities. We look forward to Donna working with our teams globally to further integrate diversity into how we work and how we drive growth.”

DeBerry brings a wealth of diversity management experience to the role. Most recently, she was Chief Executive Officer and Founder of DRP International, a diversity and event management consultancy. She has worked with the Oprah Winfrey Show and on many other high-profile projects. Prior to founding DRP International, DeBerry was Executive Vice President of Global Diversity and Corporate Affairs at Wyndham International Inc., one of the world’s largest publicly traded hospitality companies. In that role, DeBerry was the highest-ranking African American in the hotel and hospitality industry. DeBerry also has worked with the National Football League and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

“Diversity is a powerful strategic tool for companies, today more than ever,” DeBerry said. “It is the cornerstone in driving creativity and innovation. Im truly honored to be joining Nike and to be part of a global organization and brand that already has such strong connections to diverse consumers and communities around the world. Nike is committed to enriching the lives of its employees, business partners, consumers and communities, and I am excited to be a part of the driving team.”

DeBerry has served on numerous boards, including the National Hispanic Corporate Council, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers. She currently is serving on the advisory council of eWomen Network Foundation. She also has been profiled in a wide range of media and has been a featured speaker on diversity issues at numerous conferences and events. Donna attended California State University, Hayward.

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