BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- Nike Inc. said Friday it plans to reorganize its namesake brand as part of a broader restructuring announced last month that may include the elimination of up to 4 percent of its workforce.

The latest move by the world's largest maker of athletic footwear and clothing would reduce layers of management and reorganize its geographical focus into six, from four regions. Those regions will include: North America, Western Europe, Eastern/Central Europe, Greater China, Japan and emerging markets. Previously, the Nike brand was organized by regions including the United States, Asia Pacific, Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"This new model sharpens our consumer focus and will allow us to make faster decisions," Nike Brand President Charlie Denson said in a statement.

Courtesy Photo

Nike Inc. world headquarters in Beaverton, Ore.

Last month, Nike said it might cut up to 1,400 jobs. The company expects to complete a review of its businesses by the end of May, when its fiscal year ends. Nike employs nearly 35,000 people worldwide.

The Beaverton company, whose other brands include Converse, Cole Haan and Umbro, reorganized its business two years ago to increase sales. In February, the company said its latest restructuring effort is the next step in that strategy.

Nike, however, has started in recent quarters to show the pressures of the recession as its sales slowed, particularly in the U.S., where consumers are cutting back sharply on discretionary purchases. The company's profit, revenue and future orders dropped in its third quarter, the company said Wednesday.

Nike also said Nike Inc. Affiliate portfolio President Lee Bird has left the company to pursue other interests and will be succeeded by Eunan McLaughlin, former vice president and general manager for the Nike EMEA region.

McLaughlin will report to Nike President and Chief Executive Mark Parker.

Shares of Nike fell $1.06 to $45.44 in midday trading Friday.