Nike Names New President for Jordan Brand
Beaverton, Ore.–based athletic footwear and apparel giant Nike Inc. named Larry Miller president of the Jordan brand, replacing Keith Houlemard, who was named general manager, a position that entails leading Nike’s “future worldwide Olympic efforts” and “driving category and brand-management strategies supporting key sports marketing partnerships and business across the globe,” the company announced.
This is a return to Nike and to the Jordan brand for Miller, who most recently served as president of the Portland Trail Blazers. From 1999 to 2006, he was president of the Jordan brand and, prior to that, was vice president and general manager of Nike Basketball, a position that included management of operations for Jordan, Nike Basketball and Converse.
Miller also currently serves on the board of directors for Self Enhancement Inc., the Oregon Business Council and the Oregon Sports Authority and is a member of the Portland mayor’s economic-development cabinet.
“It’s great to have Larry return to the Jordan brand at such an exciting time,” said basketball legend and Jordan-brand namesake Michael Jordan in a Nike statement. “He is a strong leader, knows our brand and understands how to accelerate the growth of a premium business. Keith Houlemard has been an exceptional leader for our brand. His leadership, hard work and vision had much to do with the Jordan brand’s unparalleled success in recent years. I know he will excel in his new role, and I wish him all the best.”—Alison A. Nieder
