Nike has announced that Converse president and CEO Jim Calhoun would leave the company. He will be replaced by Davide Grasso, Nike’s current chief marketing officer.
In addition, Michael Spillane, vice president and GM of footwear, has been named president of product and merchandising, replacing Jeanne Jackson, who will work in a new advisory role with top boss Mark Parker.
“We are fortunate to have built a strong and deep bench of talent across our organization. As we move forward to deliver our long-term goals, the leadership changes we are announcing today will help us to continue to drive growth around the world,”
Parker, Nike’s president and CEO
Under Calhoun, Converse evolved into one of the hottest sneaker styles, registering nearly $2 billion in annual sales. He was focused on the brand’s new corporate headquarters in Boston, as well as the launch of the Chuck Taylor All Star II, Converse’s largest advertising campaign and investing in digital.
