The spotlight is once again on one of the country’s most closely watched client posts, as Nike is expected to name a chief marketing officer this week.
The move could presage more agency changes or consolidation on Nike’s estimated $350 million account. Wieden & Kennedy, Portland, Ore., has relinquished some turf in the U.S. to insurgent Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco.
A leading candidate for the post is Ellen Turner, former chief marketing officer at office supply retailer Kinko’s, said sources. Turner could be tapped as early as this week.
“She’s all about branding,” said a source who has worked with her. Regarding the Wieden/Goodby situation, the source said: “She would figure out what was needed.”
A representative at Nike, Beaverton, Ore., confirmed a search is under way for a top marketing executive, but said no selection has been made. The representative would not confirm Turner as a candidate. Turner could not be reached for comment.
Kinko’s confirmed Turner has left the company. Executives at its agency, TBWA/Chiat/Day, Playa del Rey, Calif., said they were unaware of Turner’s plans. Agency chief executive Tom Carroll said, “She understands great brands and will be an asset wherever she goes.” TBWA/C/D cannot pursue Nike due to conflicts with its Levi’s business.
Turner had been with Kinko’s, Ventura, Calif., since January 1998. Prior to that, she held senior marketing posts at The Limited, The Weather Channel and Taco Bell.
Nike’s marketing team has been in flux since global ad director Geoffrey Frost left for Motorola earlier this year. Rob DeFlorio moved into the job of U.S. ad director after three years as European ad director. In other changes, U.S. ad director Chris Zimmerman was named global marketing director at Nike Golf late last year, and Peter Friedman, who oversaw broadcast production, departed for McCann-Erickson. K
Wieden, Goodby Await New Nike Marketing Chief
