Nike Appoints Kristin Bauer as Converse Chief Operations Officer

Nike Inc. appointed Kristin Bauer as the chief operations officer of Converse, effective September 14. Bauer joins the company from Foot Locker, where she served as chief supply chain officer, following previous logistics roles at Ulta Beauty and TJX Cos. In her new position, she will report to Nike chief operating officer Venky Alagirisamy.

The leadership change comes as Converse faces a significant financial downturn, with full-year revenues falling 31 percent to $1.2 billion. The brand experienced a 32 percent revenue decrease in the fourth quarter alone. Despite these losses and analyst suggestions that Nike divest the brand, President and CEO Elliott Hill stated in April that Converse is not for sale and remains an important part of the company's long-term portfolio.

This appointment is part of a broader executive reshuffle at the parent company, which also includes the hiring of Jane Ewing as executive vice president and chief commercial officer, effective September 7.