Nike USA, Inc. announced the appointment of four new vice presidents in the U.S. business. Julia Law — U.S. Human Resources, Nicholas Athanasakos — U.S. Supply Chain, Craig Cheek — U.S. Footwear and Peter Kolsky — U.S Apparel and Nike Team Sports.
Julia Law, formerly senior vice president of Human Resources at McKesson Corporation’s Pharmaceutical Group, will assume the position of vice president of HR for the US region, effective immediately, and will report directly to Gary DeStefano, president of the USA Region. Law succeeds Oscar Cardona, who is moving to Nike’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region to become the vice president of EMEA HR.
“Julia’s industry experience and dedication to Human Resources will complement our senior management team in the U.S. Region,” said DeStefano. “Developing our employees is a top priority in our efforts to grow our U.S. business. I am confident Julia will continue the great progress we have made and will bring fresh insight and enthusiasm to our HR programs.”
DeStefano also announced the appointment of three Nike employees to vice presidents, also effective immediately.
“One of the strengths of Nike USA continues to be the depth of talent we have in our regional organization,” said DeStefano. “Nicholas, Craig and Peter understand our brand and business and demonstrate the leadership skills we need to continue the growth of our business in the US.”
Nicholas Athanasakos has been promoted to the position of vice president of U.S. Supply Chain. Athanasakos, the group’s director since July of 2003, began at Nike in 1994, serving as apparel operations manager in the European distribution center in Laakdal, Belgium. In 1995, he moved back to the U.S. as the general manager of the footwear distribution center in Wilsonville, Oregon. In addition, Nick has held a variety of other operations and planning roles, including leadership roles on Nike’s Supply Chain Project.
Craig Cheek, currently serving as general manager of U.S. Footwear, assumes the role of vice president of U.S. Footwear. Cheek, a 15-year Nike veteran, began as Nike’s footwear sales account executive in Southern California. He then moved to Nike’s world headquarters in 1995 as the divisional and national sales manager in Footwear. Prior to being named general manager of U.S. footwear, Cheek served for three years as director of U.S. footwear sales.
Peter Kolsky has been named vice president of U.S. Apparel and Nike Team Sports (NTS). Kolsky, currently the general manager of these two businesses since December of 2003, took over NTS in 2001. Kolsky has had a diverse career at Nike, starting in 1984 as manager of Graphics, Space Planning, and Video and Trade shows. He also served as manager of Nike Cycling before becoming general manager of Sports Graphics and Headwear in 1999.
