The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Nike Inc. named a replacement for a top executive who resigned after a report detailing her son’s lucrative business reselling sneakers.
Sarah Mensah takes over as vice president and general manager of Nike’s North American operations, effective immediately, the company said in a statement Tuesday. The role includes overseeing sales, marketing and merchandising in the region for the world’s largest athletic-wear company. She had worked as a senior executive at the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers before joining Nike in 2013.
Nike also said Amy Montagne has taken over its Asia Pacific and Latin America division, sliding into Mensah’s previous role, and Aaron Cain was named vice president and general manager of the sporting-goods giant’s men’s business.
Mensah replaces Ann Hebert, an employee of more than 25 years who abruptly left this month, just days after Bloomberg Businessweek reported on her 19-year-old son, Joe. Known to his customers as West Coast Joe, he flips hundreds of thousands of dollars in sneakers for profit each month and used a credit card in his mother’s name.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hebert disclosed information about her son’s business to Nike in 2018, according to the report. The company has said that the executive didn’t violate company policies and there was no commercial affiliation between Nike and the resale business.
Following her exit, a Nike representative said Hebert made the decision to leave.
By Kim Bhasin
To provide actionable insights and inspiration on how fashion and retail industries can further embed diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and business strategies today, BoF Careers co-hosted a panel discussion with The Outsiders Perspective. Now, BoF shares key learnings from the panel.
Discover the most exciting career opportunities now available on BoF Careers — including jobs from Tapestry, Alexander McQueen and Toteme.
A US regulator has banned most uses of the clauses, which started as a way for fashion companies to prevent senior executives from walking off with trade secrets, but have become a standard retention tool.
Check out this week’s new partners and openings on BoF Careers, the global marketplace for fashion talent.