Nike CEO is Thrilled With the Colin Kaepernick Ad

Nike CEO Mark Parker is not just proud of the ad campaign that features controversial football player Colin Kaepernick, but he is “very” proud.

Speaking to analysts, Parker said he was very proud of the ad campaign, which connected with customers all over the world.

The athletic apparel company had posted first quarter financial results on Tuesday that revealed double digit earnings as well as revenue growth.

Parker said the ad strongly resonated with customers around the world and drove a record engagement on social media.

“How we look at it is how do we connect and engage in a way that’s relevant and inspiring to the consumers that we’re here to serve,” Parker remarked on the earnings call. “Our brand strength … is a key dimension that contributes to the ongoing momentum that we’re building across the Nike portfolio.”

According to Parker, executives “feel actually very good and very proud of the work” introducing the “Just Do It” marketing campaign to a new generation customers for the ad’s 30th anniversary.

Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, had made headlines for kneeling during the national anthem as a protest against police brutality of people of color.

While many threatened to boycott Nike on social media, including a Mayor of a Louisiana town, industry analysts believe the campaign should ultimately boost sales and momentum around the brand.

Sales on Nike’s website were exploding days after the campaign was launched according to Edison Trends.

The ad also features Serena Williams and Lebron James. “These are actually very inspiring athletes, and again we feel like that campaign has delivered on that message in a way that’s really connected with people around the world,” Parker explained.

“No matter which athlete they choose, they will offend some customers,” said Allen Adamson to CNBC. Adamson is a brand expert and co-founder of marketing solutions business Metaforce. He added, “If you try to please all people all the time, you will end up pleasing nobody.”

Nike shares hit an all-time, intraday high of $86.04 this past Friday.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) and have not been compensated for this article.