Nike confirms UK marketing role for Smithkline’s Cleary

Nike has confirmed Dermott Cleary, SmithKline Beecham’s category director for oral care, will be joining the company as UK marketing director on June 10, as revealed exclusively in Marketing Week last week.

Cleary joined SB in 1986, and in 1990 developed and implemented the launch of Lucozade Sport, creating a new segment in the UK soft drinks market.

In 1991, Cleary introduced Lucozade to sports sponsorship when he arranged for the brand to become the official sports drink of British Athletics.

“I’ve a lot of knowledge of the sporting world through my work with Lucozade, so this move is not as unusual as it sounds. I am also looking forward to working with a company I have admired for many years,” he says.

Cleary will be relocating from London to Nike’s base in Sunderland. SB says it is still seeking a replacement for him.