Hall of Fame
CHARLIE DENSON
Hometown: Corvallis, Ore.
Sport: Football/Contributor to Utah State Athletics
Years: 1976-77
Charlie Denson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anini Vista Advisors, has been a longtime contributor and advisor to Utah State Athletics as he currently sits on Utah State's National Advisory Board for Aggie Athletics. A two-year letterwinner at safety on Utah State's football team in 1976 and 1977, Denson was well-known for his competitive spirit on the field, recording 14 tackles and one interception during his senior campaign. After graduating from USU in 1978, Denson spent more than 30 years with Nike Inc., including as Nike Brand President from 2001-13, as he oversaw all aspects of the Nike brand worldwide. He started with Nike Inc., in 1979 as an Assistant Manager in one of its original retail stores in Portland, Ore. He quickly moved up the ranks and has held many positions over the years, including time as vice president of United States and European sales, and as general manager of Nike USA. As president of the Nike Brand, Denson was responsible for leading the strategy of the world's most distinctive, authentic and connected brand in sports. He oversaw all aspects of the global direction for the company's consumer categories, including Actions Sports, Basketball, Football (Soccer), Men's Training, Running, Sportswear and Women's Training, as well as the Jordan Brand and Nike Golf. An innovator in developing sales and distribution strategies, Denson was a driving force in Nike's global growth as the company expanded into approximately 190 countries. He pioneered Nike's growth in China, India and Brazil, in particular. In fiscal year 2012, Nike Brand revenues surpassed $21 billion, a growth of 16 percent. An avid Aggie fan, Denson was instrumental in Utah State's unveiling of its new athletics brand and identity program in the spring of 2012. The university worked with Nike in collaboration on a 15-month re-branding campaign that was made possible through Denson's support, as well as the longstanding association between Utah State Athletics and Nike. Denson, who also serves on the board of directors of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Inc. and Funko Inc., received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Utah State University in 2013. Denson is also an annual supporter of the Merlin Olsen Fund.
