Nike promotes Mexico’s managing director to lead Southern Europe

Nike reshuffles its management team. The American sportswear group has simplified its governance structure in Southern Europe by creating a single general management for the region. The company has appointed Ignacio Serrat, managing director in Mexico and vice president of sales in emerging markets, to be at the helm of the business in this geographical area.

The new brand vice president and managing director will oversee Nike’s business in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. Bachelor in Business Administration and Management from the Iese business school, Serrat occupied various commercial roles at Nike in Spain and Italy before moving to America.

Following Serrat’s appointment, Nike has also named Marcos Garzo, managing director of the brand in Spain and Portugal until now, as head of football in Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) Garzo joined the company in 1995 and has executed several management roles within the group in Spain and abroad.

Ignacio Serrat, formerly managing director of Nike in Mexico, will oversee the brand’s business in Spain, Portugal, Italia and Greece

Nike has reshuffled its management team during the last few months. Last July, the company named Noel Kinder, vice president of sustainable manufacturing and sourcing, as its new chief sustainability officer. He is reporting to Eric Sprunk, Nike’s chief operating officer, and Tom Clarke, president of advanced innovation.

Before Kinder’s promotion, Nike appointed César García global vice president of merchandising, and it placed Rosemary St. Clair at the helm of women’s products. Those appointments came after the exit of Trevor Edwards, Nike’s brand president.

The group ended fiscal 2017 with sales of 36.39 billion dollars (31.5 billion euros), up 6% from previous year. Net profit was down 54% to 1.93 billion dollars (1.67 billion euros) due to Donald Trump’s tax plan.