Paul Beckles

Paul Beckles is the Director of Global Athlete Marketing at Nike, focusing on prominent NBA players Ja Morant and Devin Booker. He has been with Nike since 2019, where he initially served as the Head of Global Brand Marketing for Converse basketball, revitalizing the brand after a period of inactivity in the sport. His career trajectory at Nike includes leading marketing efforts for both the NBA and WNBA licensed businesses globally, and he played a pivotal role in establishing Nike's first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships in basketball.15

Career Highlights

• Current Role: As Director of Global Athlete Marketing, Beckles leads marketing strategy and planning for signature athlete brands, including campaigns like "Nike Book 1," which launched Devin Booker's signature line.13
• Previous Positions:
  • Director of North America Athlete Marketing (2022-2023)
  • Head of North America Brand Marketing for NBA & WNBA (2021-2022)
  • Head of Global Brand Marketing for Converse Basketball (2019-2021) where he was instrumental in reinvigorating the brand's presence in basketball.24

Leadership Philosophy

Beckles emphasizes a focus on quality over quantity in marketing content, advocating for authentic storytelling that resonates culturally. He believes that the evolving landscape of athlete marketing will increasingly involve co-creation and collaboration with athletes who are becoming more empowered to shape their personal brands.15

Personal Insights

Outside of work, Beckles enjoys spending time with his family, cheering for Philadelphia sports teams, and exploring new restaurants. His leadership style is characterized by a commitment to progress and courage, which he considers crucial for marketers navigating today's dynamic market.12