Seasoned sportswear industry expert, Sarah Mensah, was crucial in steering Nike, Inc. through a decade of burgeoning growth.
And she’s now set to do it all again as the first-ever female President of Michael Jordan’s global enterprise.
According to Boardroom, Sarah is now at the helm of Jordan Brand, which boasts an impressive estimated annual revenue of $5 billion.
This new role is a continuation of Sarah’s trailblazing journey.
In 2021, she became the first Black woman to guide Nike’s North America division as Vice President and GM, a market forming a significant chunk of the brand’s $166 billion valuation.
Sarah Mensah Will Take Jordan Brand To New Heights
BREAKING: Nike Inc. announces that current VP Sarah Mensah has been named the new President of Jordan Brand. pic.twitter.com/sDqzdpLiD6
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) May 25, 2023
This transition represents a triumphant stride for women in sports but also signals a strategic reshuffling within Nike, Inc.
As Sarah embraces her new responsibilities at Michael Jordan’s empire, the erstwhile JB President, Craig Williams, has become the President of Geographies & Marketplace at Nike, Inc.
Jordan Brand has been a torchbearer in promoting diversity and epitomizing Black leadership.
Apart from its legendary namesake, the brand’s leadership roster has featured luminaries like:
- Larry Miller
- Howard White
- Keith Houlemard
- Gentry Humphrey
Sarah’s appointment comes at an exciting juncture as the WNBA season kicks off and the NBA playoffs gain momentum.
Before diving into the footwear sector, Sarah worked with the Portland Trail Blazers as VP and COO from 2009 to 2012.
During this period, the team witnessed a staggering 105% revenue growth.
Coincidence?
I think not.
Sarah’s illustrious journey from Eugene to Portland to Beaverton has seen her don multiple hats in Nike, Inc., including Senior Director of Strategic Planning.
She was the architect behind a 10-year strategic plan for the brand, which now enjoys a diverse portfolio encompassing college sports and international markets.
Sarah’s promotion to VP at Nike coincided with a tumultuous phase due to supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sarah demonstrated resilience and adaptability during this turbulent period, taking the brand to new heights.
“Working in the Jordan Brand, I had the opportunity to sit at the table with Michael Jordan himself. I was able to learn and draft off of his example. I understood that all success requires us to stretch and push beyond our comfort zones. The intensity and inspiration of being challenged to achieve something more by the GOAT himself stays with me to this day.” Sarah Mensah
Sarah will do more than collaborate with Michael Jordan in her current role–her visionary leadership will bring Jordan Brand to new heights.
