Nike appointed Leslie Lane as the head of its global running business.
“Running is the heart of Nike, fueled by the passion our co-founders Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman had for the sport and for creating a better running shoe,” Nike brand President Charlie Denson said. “The first great Nike athlete was a runner, the incomparable Steve Prefontaine. Today Nike continues to support everyone from elite runners to weekend joggers with innovative products, experiences and events. Leslie brings strong, global Nike experience to his new role, and will help lead a sharp consumer focus on running worldwide as we continue to grow this core business segment.”
Lane will report to Trevor Edwards, Vice President of Global Brand and Category Management, who reports to Denson. A competitive runner in high school and a college rugby player and rower, Lane joined Nike in 2003 as part of the company's subsidiaries' team, initially helping to lead the acquisition and integration of Converse. Since 2004, Lane has been responsible for Nike's global footwear strategy, finance and costing activities. Nike footwear generated almost $8 billion in revenue in fiscal 2006, representing about 53 percent of total company revenue. Prior to joining Nike, Lane was a consultant with Bain and Company. He holds degrees from Oxford University and Harvard.
The position is one of five new global category management positions announced by the company in August. The new positions will lead more integrated, consumer-focused growth strategies in these core Nike business segments: running, basketball, men's training, women's fitness and football (soccer). The company recently announced the heads of basketball and men's training, and expects to soon announce women's fitness and football.
