Board Member, UCI Alumni Association
Vice President, Kids Apparel, Nike, Inc.
UC Irvine – 1989, B.A., social sciences
UC Irvine – 1994, MBA
Sean Vali is Vice President for Kids Apparel at Nike, Inc. He joined the company in 1990.
Over his 29 year career, Sean has held numerous leadership roles in global product and merchandising across Nike Categories, Jordan Brand and Hurley International. As a business leader, he focuses on building high performance diverse teams, creating and driving corporate strategy, and delivering profitable financial results. He leads change by his effective leadership exemplified by his self-awareness and empathy. Sean’s strategic strengths empower and spark productivity in his work place in those who work alongside him. Beyond his immediate job, Sean is a Male Ally to the Women of Nike & Friends Network along with mentoring numerous future leaders through the Nike Mentoring Program.
His philanthropic efforts have been focused around sports and youth. Sean spent 11 years as a volunteer Track & Field head coach with the Catholic Youth Association (CYO). He is an active donor to the Rosemary Anderson School focused on hiring Mental Health Professionals for students as well as The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA).
Outside of work, he has a passion for sports and music. As an avid cyclist, he rides road, mountain and cyclocross bikes year round. Also, he has an exhaustive album collection (vinyl) spanning numerous genres of music.
He received his Bachelors in Social Sciences and Masters in Business Administration from UC Irvine. His wife, Mimi, is also an Anteater who graduated in 1990, with a Bachelors in Psychology.
Sean and his family live in Portland, OR. They have three kids, Madison, Coleby and Devon.