Melanie Harris, a Nike Inc. veteran who held leadership positions at the athletic giant for nearly six years, is now the president of business operations for the Detroit Pistons.

The NBA franchise announced the appointment of Harris late Tuesday, and stated she would be tasked with leading its business lines, expanding revenue opportunities and driving engagement with partners, sponsors, ticket holders and fans.

Harris will report to Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem.

"Melanie shares our core values of hard work and commitment to the community," Tellem said in a statement. "She's a collaborative leader who will support our current team while bringing new experiences and ideas for engagement with business partners, ticket holders and fans."

Harris, whose career at Nike Inc. began in 2019, most recently served as vice president and general manager for Jordan Brand North America, also serving on the Nike Inc Black Community Commitment task force. Prior to assuming the VP and GM of Jordan Brand North America role, Harris was the VP of strategy and development at Nike Inc., and also was a member of the Nike executive leadership team. Her first role at the Nike Inc. was VP of corporate strategy.

Speaking with FN in June, Harris offered valuable advice for other women who are also rising through the industry. "In today's fast-paced, dynamic world, being confident in and true to who you are has never been more powerful," Harris said. "If you can be like a deeply rooted tree, flexible to adjust to temporary winds but committed to what's right, you will always be valued as a leader and resource."

Aside from her time at Nike Inc., Harris -- a graduate of both Yale University and Harvard Business School -- was a partner at management consulting firm Bain & Co. While there, she was instrumental in the firm's social impact and diversity and inclusion initiatives, and also led its efforts around recruiting and retention of Black and female business talent.

"Detroit is a fantastic sports town and as the organization grows, there is a great opportunity for building business momentum and engagement," Harris said in a statement. "I look forward to advancing the club's success both on and off the floor."

Pistons owner Tom Gores added, "During this critical offseason, we have expanded our executive team with top leadership talent on both the basketball and business sides of our organization. Our business-side team has consistently outperformed challenging circumstances, and I'm excited to add Melanie's capabilities and leadership to the mix."