Nike announces changes to leadership team and potential job cuts
Nike has announced a series of changes to its senior leadership team as well as plans to cut an undisclosed number of jobs.
In a statement, the company said the leadership reshuffle is being made to support its ‘Consumer Direct Acceleration’ strategy which aims to push its business model more towards digital direct-to-consumer sales. It also said the changes will create a nimbler and flatter organisation.
John Donahoe, president and chief executive of Nike, explained: “We are announcing changes today to transform Nike faster, accelerate against our biggest growth opportunities and extend our leadership position. Now is the right time to build on Nike’s strengths and elevate a group of experienced, talented leaders who can help drive the next phase of our growth.”
Under the new structure, Amy Montagne has been appointed as VP/GM for menswear while Whitney Malkiel and McCallester Dowers have become VPs/GMs for womenswear and kidswear respectively. All three will report to Michael Spillane who has become president for consumer creation.
The brand has also announced new leaders for its EMEA and Asia Pacific and Latin America regions. Carl Grebert will take up the role of VP/GM for EMEA when Bert Hoyt retires after 22 years, and Sarah Mensah will succeed Grebert as VP/GM for the Asia Pacific region and Latin America. Meanwhile, Ann Hebert and Angela Dong will remain as the respective VPs/GMs for North America and Greater China. All regional leaders will report to Heidi O’Neill, president of consumer and marketplace.
Two further appointments will see Craig Williams, president of Jordan Brand, and Scott Uzzell, president and chief executive of Converse, join Nike’s executive leadership team reporting to Donahoe.
Nike also said its operational model changes are expected to lead to a number of jobs losses that will result in pre-tax one-time employee termination costs of approximately $200 million to $250 million.
