New names at Nike

Nike has appointed Michaela Stitz as the new Vice President of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Stitz will be responsible for driving continued market leadership and growth for the CEE geography, replacing Marc van Pappelendam, who was recently named as VP of the UK/Ireland territory.

“Michaela is an experienced and highly successful Nike leader with diverse commercial and management skills,” said Gary DeStefano, President of Global Operations for Nike, Inc. “She has the passion to drive the CEE business strategy with the necessary focus and direction, to achieve our aggressive growth goals for the geography despite current regional challenges.”

The company also recently announced that Jack Boys will retire as CEO of Converse and company executive Michael Spillane has been named his successor. Boys and Spillane will transition their roles through the end of the year. As CEO of Converse, Spillane will report directly to McLaughlin. Spillane brings 25 years of hands-on financial, textile and apparel experience to Converse. He joined Converse in 2007 as President of North American Footwear.

Nike is one of the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike and was established in 1908. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel.