Stanford University has named former Nike chief executive John Donahoe as its next Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics. Taking up his post on Sept. 8, he will succeed Bernard Muir and oversee Stanford’s 36-sport program during a period of significant change in US college athletics.
Donahoe served as CEO of Nike from 2020 to 2024 and held prior chief executive roles at ServiceNow and eBay. A Stanford Graduate School of Business alumnus, he currently serves on the school’s advisory council. His appointment follows a national search led by Stanford president Jon Levin.
Stanford says Donahoe will be responsible for leading the athletics department ”through an evolving media and revenue environment shaped by NIL (name, image, likeness) rights, expanded athlete transfers, and conference realignment.” He will also oversee the newly created role of general manager for Stanford Football, held by Andrew Luck.
In a statement, Donahoe cited as key priorities sustaining Stanford’s student-athlete model, building a sustainable financial framework and enhancing community engagement.
