Nike Golf Names New President

Nike Golf, image: weiunderpar.com

Nike Golf, image: weiunderpar.com

Those Nike golf shoes certainly haven’t hindered Daric Ashford’s climb to the top of the corporate ladder. Following news that Cindy Davis, Nike Golf’s first female president, would retire from the organization, Ashford was announced to be the new president.

Very few were surprised by this turn of events, as is Daric Ashford bringing to the table?  For starters, Ashford is a 21-year veteran at Nike, having worked in senior management positions spanning retail and sales divisions during his tenure with the Nike brand. He was able to work his way up the corporate ladder to be the current VP of Nike Golf, as well as the general manager overseeing the Jordan Brand for North America.

Jayme Martin, the current vice president and general manager of global categories for Nike, spoke of Ashford’s qualifications for the position in a statement last week.  “Daric’s leadership has helped to deliver strong revenue growth and expand the Jordan Brand. His proven track record, along with his experience in global categories, makes him ideally suited to leading the golf business.”

Ashford will now be responsible for overseeing a company that has boasted the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods as their most prominent endorsees in recent years.  McIlroy currently holds the distinguished title of the top ranked player in the world, while Tiger Woods has made a name for himself as one of the game’s greatest players.

Big Shoes To Fill

While the shoes that Daric Ashford is filling as Nike Golf’s newest president may differ in style from his predecessor’s, they are no less the biggest that he’s ever worn in his 21 years with the company.

The legacy that Ashford’s former boss Cindy Davis leaves behind is an impressive one.  Davis started with the company as Nike Golf’s general manager in 2004, taking just four years to work her way up to commander-in-chief of the organization in 2008.  Since 2009, Davis has overseen the profitable subsidiary of Nike, Inc. year over year, despite a tough golfing industry climate that has had a negative effect on many of Nike Golf’s competitors.

In a press release posted to Nike.com, Jayme Martin spoke of Davis’s legacy with the company.   “We thank Cindy for her leadership throughout the years as she has led the development and growth of Nike Golf Business worldwide. Under Cindy’s direction, Nike Golf has steadily delivered profitable growth year after year since 2009.”

Daric Ashford most certainly has his work cut out for him as the new head of Nike Golf.  Fortunately he seems well prepared and primed to take on the responsibility of managing one of the world’s most successful golf equipment companies head on.

We look forward to the newest additions of Nike golf balls, clubs, hats and products that Mr. Ashford will be overseeing in the coming months – including the new line of Vapor irons and woods – and wish the president of Nike Golf the best of luck.

Nike Golf is a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. based out of Beaverton, Oregon.  Established as a business unit within the company in 1998, Nike Golf designs, markets, and distributes athletic footwear and golf equipment for professional and amateur golfers worldwide.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *