Breaking News: Klutch Athletics Makes a Power Move by Hiring a Former Nike Executive as President and General Manager! It's rare to see such a seasoned expert from a giant like Nike switch gears to a newer player like Klutch Athletics, and this decision could reshape the sportswear scene. But here’s where it gets even more interesting—Scott Munson, who brings with him almost three decades of top-tier experience at Nike, is now steering the ship at Klutch Athletics.
Munson officially took on the president and general manager roles after departing Nike in September. His last position at Nike was vice president and general manager overseeing the men’s business in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Over his career, he has also held significant leadership roles such as global vice president for men’s basketball and soccer apparel. His expertise in managing large, complex operations and developing high-impact sportswear brands on a global scale is truly impressive.
Rich Paul, the founder and CEO of Klutch Athletics, expressed his excitement, stating, “Scott’s leadership in managing billion-dollar businesses, inspiring innovation in performance and lifestyle categories worldwide, and his talent for building successful, iconic brands make him a phenomenal fit for us.” Paul believes Munson’s global insight and ability to nurture strong teams will be crucial as Klutch Athletics grows and continues its goal to empower the next generation of athletes while supporting their local communities.
For context, Klutch Athletics is a fresh sportswear venture launched in 2023 in partnership with New Balance, created by Rich Paul—also known for founding Klutch Sports—and New Balance, a respected name in footwear and apparel. They combine performance gear with lifestyle apparel, and the brand has even ventured into collaborative New Balance sneaker releases. The roster of Klutch athletes is growing and already includes NFL wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. plus rising college basketball talents Caleb Wilson and Isiah Harwell.
Scott Munson himself shares a personal and passionate connection with this new chapter, saying, “I’m truly honored to join Klutch Athletics at such a defining time. This brand is transforming how we empower young athletes to reach their fullest potential. I’m eager to collaborate with Rich and the team to create purposeful products, foster authentic communities, and deliver inspiring experiences both on the field and off.”
An interesting facet of Munson’s background is that before his illustrious corporate career, he was a professional soccer player for the Vancouver 86ers and represented the Canadian National Team. His dedication to sport extends beyond business; he spent five years coaching high school boys’ soccer in Oregon and serves on the board of Street Soccer USA, an organization that uses soccer to combat poverty and uplift underserved communities. This blend of athletic and leadership experience gives him a unique perspective on the brand's mission.
Klutch Athletics recently made waves with their first major advertising campaign over the summer—a 60-second spot titled “The Best.” This commercial thoughtfully traces the brand’s roots back to Rich Paul’s upbringing in Akron, including the lifelong friendship he formed with basketball icon LeBron James. This story-filled approach captures the spirit of Klutch Athletics' message, emphasizing more than just products but the stories and communities behind them.
But here’s the part most people miss: Could Scott Munson’s bold move from a corporate giant like Nike to a growing startup signal a shift in how sports brands will be built and led in the future? Is this the beginning of a new era where smaller, community-forward companies challenge the dominance of long-standing corporations? What do you think—will Klutch Athletics revolutionize the market, or will they face the classic hurdles startups often do? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!
