Nike has announced sweeping changes to its senior leadership structure, creating a Chief Operating Officer role and removing two executive positions as part of its turnaround plan and “Win Now” strategy.
Nike Inc. is restructuring its senior leadership team to accelerate its “Win Now” strategy, simplify management layers, and strengthen its connection with consumers. The changes, announced December 2, include the creation of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role and the elimination of two executive positions: Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).
Current Chief Supply Chain Officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy will assume the new COO role on December 8. In addition to overseeing supply chain, planning, operations, manufacturing, and sustainability, Alagirisamy will lead Nike’s technology function, ensuring tech integration across the company. As a result, Dr. Muge Dogan, Executive Vice President and CTO, will depart.
Nike is also removing the CCO role, currently held by Craig Williams, as part of efforts to streamline leadership. Global Sales and Nike Direct will now report to CFO Matt Friend, positioning him to connect marketplace performance directly to corporate strategy.
Further, Nike’s four geographic leaders will join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and report directly to CEO Elliott Hill:
- Angela Dong, Greater China
- Carl Grebert, EMEA
- Tom Peddie, North America
- Cathy Sparks, APLA
The reorganization brings brand presidents and geography leaders under one umbrella, aiming to “activate Nike’s sport offense” and improve speed, collaboration, and execution. Hill stated: “With this newly evolved SLT, I’m confident we’ll accelerate the core aspects of our Win Now actions and push forward with focus, speed, collaboration, and urgency.”
Analysts view the shake-up as a response to recent operational challenges and a bid to sharpen Nike’s competitive edge against rivals like Adidas and emerging players.
Go deeper
Read CEO Elliott Hill’s letter to employees.
