At the end of our seminar, a Nike executive asked for suggestions.

Steve Miller, a Nike executive, seems to be a popular choice.

A Nike executive said the formula, when well executed, works in reverse as well: the context can bring authenticity to the sponsor.

But a Nike executive who helped design the building was quick to add, "For us, profitability is judged in a lot of ways.

But one Nike executive said, "Our company's policy is not to negotiate with pirates."

Because the swoosh is so ubiquitous, Nike executives realize they now have a hard time using a renegade posture.

The labor issue keeps coming up in focus groups with girls as young as 12, Nike executives told me.

He was on his way to Oregon to meet with Nike executives.

Chris Bevilacqua, a former Nike executive, said the company was unlikely to act hastily.

The name most often mentioned as the top candidate is Steve Miller, a Nike executive.