Kelly Cooper
Senior Director of Merchandising - Nike Men's Lifestyle Footwear & Apparel, North America
Professional Overview
Kelly Cooper is a seasoned retail merchandising executive with over 15 years of experience driving strategic product development and omnichannel growth strategies for leading global apparel and footwear brands. As the Senior Director of Merchandising for Nike's Men's Lifestyle Footwear & Apparel division in North America, she leverages her deep industry expertise to develop innovative product assortments that resonate with the brand's core consumer base.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role at Nike, Kelly is responsible for overseeing the merchandising strategy and execution for the company's men's lifestyle footwear and apparel products across North America. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to identify emerging consumer trends, curate product lineups, and optimize omnichannel distribution to drive consistent, profitable growth. Under her leadership, the men's lifestyle category has achieved double-digit revenue increases year-over-year, solidifying Nike's position as a market leader in the segment.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Kelly served as the Merchandising Director for Nike.com and Nike stores, where she spearheaded the development of the brand's women's apparel portfolio. Earlier in her career, she held key merchandising positions at Levi Strauss & Co., managing global product assortments and driving strategic planning initiatives for the Dockers and Levi's brands. Kelly's diverse background also includes experience at Abercrombie & Fitch and an internship at MTV Networks, where she gained valuable insights into the intersection of fashion, media, and consumer behavior.
Academic Background
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Omnichannel merchandising strategy
- Product curation and assortment planning
- Consumer trend analysis and forecasting
- Inventory management and optimization
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Strategic planning and execution
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive measurable business results. At Nike, she has been instrumental in the development and launch of several highly successful men's lifestyle product lines, contributing to significant revenue growth and market share gains. Her innovative approach to merchandising, combined with her deep understanding of consumer behavior, has positioned her as a trusted advisor and thought leader within the industry.
Conclusion
With her proven track record of success, Kelly Cooper is poised to continue making valuable contributions to the growth and evolution of the Nike brand. Her strategic vision, coupled with her exceptional leadership skills and keen eye for consumer insights, make her a valuable asset in the rapidly changing retail landscape.
