PR: Nike Creates Stand-alone Business Unit For Nike ACG, Appoints President
Edited by John Stouffer
(7-23-98)

(Press Release, June 23, 1998)—Nike, Inc. announced the formation of a new stand-alone category business unit for its line of All Conditions Gear (ACG) outdoor products. The new unit will be based in Oregon. The company also announced the appointment, effective immediately, of Gordon McFadden as president of Nike ACG.

Formerly President for Helly-Hanson (North America) Inc., U.S. operations, McFadden, 48, will be responsible for driving the direction of Nike ACG. Organizational details will be finalized over the course of the coming fiscal year.

"Gordon's accomplishments and experience in the outdoor business speak for themselves, making him a strategic advantage for ACG," says Andy Mooney, vice president of global brand management. "His appointment will enable ACG to steer its own course and reach its full potential as a visionary and innovative outdoor company. We are excited to have Gordon join the ACG family."

The announcement marks the transformation of Nike ACG from a category within Nike to a separate, stand-alone business unit and underscores its commitment to developing authentic, outdoor activity-specific footwear, apparel, and equipment for the serious outdoor athlete and enthusiast. Nike has been committed to product innovation in the outdoor industry for nearly twenty years. The introduction of the Nike Lava Dome in 1982 revolutionized the outdoor footwear category. That tradition of innovative athletic footwear for the outdoor athlete continues with the Mada hiking boot and most recently the Notus Air Zoom, an athletic, youthful shoe that has taken Nike's outdoor category to new levels of outdoor performance.

McFadden joins the business at an opportune time as sales of ACG footwear are surging and the business unit has a strong position in the outdoor market. The company will also unveil its first line of snowboards, boots, and bindings in 1999 in addition to its full line of snowboard apparel that previewed in the fall of 1997. "This is a tremendously exciting time to be coming on board with ACG," commented Gordon McFadden on his appointment as president of ACG. "With ACG becoming a stand-alone business unit under Nike, we have a great opportunity to grow our outdoor business and prove ourselves as a serious leader in this industry. I welcome this challenge."

With Helly-Hanson for fifteen years, McFadden was responsible for the strategic planning and overall profitability for the North American business unit including product development and sourcing responsibilities. Before his tenure with Helly-Hanson began in 1981, he was director of merchandising for Eddie Bauer, Inc. and managed all product plans for Eddie Bauer hardware merchandise and corporate growth objectives for their retail operations in North America.

McFadden is a 1972 graduate of Washington State University. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Ski Industries American and sits on the Executive Committee for the Young Presidents Organization.

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