James Arizumi
Jordan Brand Senior Footwear Design Director of Special Projects
Based in Portland, Oregon, United States
Professional Overview
James Arizumi is an accomplished design leader with extensive experience in the footwear and sportswear industry. As the Jordan Brand Senior Footwear Design Director of Special Projects at Nike, he oversees the development and execution of innovative, market-leading products and experiences.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current role, James is responsible for leading cross-functional teams to conceive and bring to life exclusive, high-impact footwear designs for the Jordan Brand. He collaborates closely with key stakeholders, including athletes and brand partners, to translate strategic vision into tangible products that resonate with consumers and drive business growth.
Under James' direction, the Jordan Brand's special projects have consistently achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, elevating the brand's reputation for design excellence and contributing to its ongoing market dominance.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, James held several senior design leadership positions at Nike, including Senior Global Director of Concepts, Athletes, and Purpose, as well as Senior Global Creative Director for both ACG and Nike SB. In these roles, he demonstrated his ability to cultivate innovative design solutions, foster collaborative cross-functional teams, and deliver impactful product and brand experiences.
Earlier in his career, James worked as a Footwear Designer at Lakai Limited Footwear and Clae Footwear, where he honed his technical skills and design expertise. He also gained experience in industrial design and visual merchandising, working at Blumlein Associates, Neiman Marcus, and Horlic Advertising.
Academic Background
James holds a degree in Industrial Design from a leading university, where he developed a strong foundation in user-centric design, materials science, and prototyping.
Areas of Expertise
- Footwear design and development
- Collaborative design leadership
- Strategic brand and product innovation
- Translating consumer insights into market-leading solutions
- Cross-functional team management and mentorship
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, James has consistently delivered industry-leading design solutions that have driven significant business impact for his employers. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, cementing his reputation as a design visionary within the footwear and sportswear industry.
Conclusion
With his deep expertise, proven track record of success, and unwavering commitment to design excellence, James Arizumi is a highly valuable asset to the Jordan Brand and Nike. As he continues to push the boundaries of footwear design, he is poised to make an enduring impact on the industry and inspire the next generation of design leaders.
