Nike names new Umbro boss
US sportswear giant Nike has appointed a new boss of its North West subsidiary Umbro.
The Cheadle based football brand, kit supplier to the England and Manchester City teams, will be led by Jim Allaker, who is currently vice president and general manager of Nike UK & Ireland.
Mr Allaker has worked for Nike for 21 years and occupied a number of senior financial and operational roles, including a stint at the company’s global base at Beaverton, Oregon.
He has been at the helm of the UK and Irish business since 2006 and his role prior to that was vice president of finance, planning and operations for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
In his new role at Umbro, Mr Allaker replaces Matthew Cook, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities.
Eunan McLaughlin, president of the Nike Affiliates said: “Jim has had great success in leading the Nike UK & Ireland business, important markets for Umbro. He also has a wealth of experience in the international sporting goods industry.
“Umbro has a tremendous opportunity for growth and I believe with Jim’s leadership, we will continue to grow the brand and connect with football fans worldwide.”
Umbro has a long history in the North West. It was founded by the Humphreys brothers in Wilmslow in 1924 and provided the team kit when England won the World Cup in 1966.
