NIKE NAMES G. SCOTT UZZELL PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CONVERSE

Nike, Inc. has announced that effective January 22, 2019, G. Scott Uzzell will become president and CEO of its Converse brand. Uzzell comes to Converse from The Coca-Cola Company where he most recently served as president of the venturing and emerging brands group (VEB).

Uzzell will report directly to Michael Spillane, president of categories and product at Nike, Inc. Uzzell replaces Davide Grasso who has decided to retire at the end of this calendar year.

Uzzell began his career within sales and marketing for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Nabisco, before returning to Coca-Cola in 2000 in the strategy and planning division. Since then, he has held a number of leadership positions across its business including McDonald’s U.S. division, global new business development, global marketing, Zico and VEB.

As head of Coca-Cola’s VEB Group, Uzzell led the identification and development of a portfolio of high-growth brands for The Coca-Cola Company, including Honest Tea, Zico Coconut Water, Fairlife Milk and Suja Juice, contributing to new revenue streams for the company.

“Scott’s unique blend of experience driving both strategic business growth and strong brand development is well-suited to help unlock the full potential of the Converse Brand and lead its next phase of growth globally,” said Spillane.