2000.”
Trevor Edwards, Corporate Vice President of Global Brand Management, Nike, 42: “This London-born ad man is the brains behind the brands. He’s made Converse a comeback hit, Hurley a hot must have, and Cole Haan cooler than ever. Edwards joined Nike in 1992 and steadily climbed the corporate ladder from regional marketing manager, strategic accounts for Foot Locker to his current post overseeing all brand management functions across the globe. His responsibilities include advertising, sports marketing, entertainment, communications, digital, brand content, events, and retail marketing. He holds an M.B.A. in international marketing and finance from Baruch College. Highlight Reel: Edwards played a key role in landing endorsement deals with basketball phenom Lebron James, tennis star Serena Williams, and the Brazilian World Cup soccer team.”
Harold R. Henderson, Executive VP for Labor Relations/Chairman of Management Council Executive Committee, NFL, 62: “A former labor attorney, Henderson made an immediate impact on NFL labor relations. Under his guidance, the NFL Player and Employee Development Programs were created, which provide financial planning assistance for players as they transition into retirement. As part of Henderson’s initiative, the programs offer a continuing education component and prepare players for post-football careers. The graduate of Harvard Law School is the representative for all NFL labor matters, dealing regularly with NFL franchises, NFL players associations, and player’s agents. Highlight Reel: Always the master negotiator, Henderson arranged a new collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor unity in the NFL through 2007.”
David B. Rone, Executive Vice President Network Development & Rights Acquisitions, FOX Sports, 42: “Rone cut his teeth at Disney. These days, he plots the strategic direction, financial analysis, and negotiation of cable television rights acquisitions for FOX Sports, from collegiate teams to professional sports teams in MLB, the NBA, and the NHL. He also oversees programming for FOX College Sports. Highlight Reel: Prior to his appointment as a corporate officer, Rone served as vice president of business affairs for the entire Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group from March 1995 to March 1997. While there, he was instrumental in structuring the motion pictures group’s relationships with various filmmakers and other talent.”
Larry Miller, President, Nike Jordan Brand, 55: “Quite possibly the most famous piece of footwear in the word, the Air Jordan has a life of its own. Miller’s responsibilities include overseeing all fiscal/business strategies, marketing efforts, and expansion of the Jordan brand. With Jordan off the court, Miller boosted Team Jordan by signing Carmelo Anthony, Gary Payton, and Jason Kidd to the brand. Miller holds an M.B.A. from La Salle University and is a member of the Association of Sporting Goods Professionals. Highlight Reel: Under Miller’s leadership, the Jordan brand has grown to approximately $500 million in business, an increase of 288% from 2001 to 2003.”
Kery D. Davis, “Senior Vice President, Sports Programming “, HBO, 45: “Responsible for a knockout lineup of fighters-including heavy-hitters Sugar Shane Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones Jr., and Manny Pacquiao-Davis oversees negotiations and program planning for the network’s World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark