Sneaker mogul and industry trailblazer, Gentry Humphrey, bids farewell to Nike as he heads off to retirement. Humphrey has had a legendary career at Nike and is currently Vice President of Footwear for the Jordan Brand.
Humphrey started with Nike back in 1994 and worked his way to the top. He has been with the company for nearly three decades and is responsible for growing the Jordan Brand to the cultural icon that we know today. Pivotal moments like the Air Jordan 6, the Air Jordan 11 “DMP,” and the UNDFTD x Air Jordan 4 collab catapulted the brand to success and changed the way people looked at sneakers. Humphrey also worked briefly with Nike Sportswear and Nike Golf from 2010-2015, before he returned back to Jordan Brand in 2018.
A company email reports that Humphrey will officially be leaving office on September 30, 2021 and will be replaced by Kris Wright on October 1, 2021. Wright has been with Nike since 2011 and has been making serious moves within the company. Most recently, Wright spearheaded the development of Virgil’s “The Ten” Collection. Before teaming up with Nike, Wright spent time at Reebok from 2000-2004 and played a part in the expansion of RBK Music’s projects, which included Jay-Z and G-Unit.
It’s shocking to see a legend leave, but we all know that change is inevitable — and necessary. Hopefully this era brings new ideas and excitement to the sneaker community. Being that Wright was apart of Virgil’s partnership with Nike, we wonder if we’re headed towards a place we’ve already been. Join the Nice Kicks Discord and let us know what you think.
