Nike announced a series of executive changes May 24 that it says build on the company’s “strong momentum” and underscore Nike’s commitment to product innovation, athlete mentorship and “unrivaled brand storytelling while driving deeper integration across the business.”
Heidi O’Neill becomes the new President, Consumer, Product & Brand, while Craig Williams has been appointed President, Geographies & Marketplace. In addition, Matthew Friend, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, will expand his responsibilities to include Procurement, Global Places & Services, and Demand and Supply Management.
Looking ahead to the next chapter of growth, O’Neill will lead Nike’s global product engine and fully integrate brand marketing storytelling to build deep relationships and engagement with the brand. Both Global Brand Marketing and Global Sports Marketing will report to her. O’Neill – a 24-year Nike veteran – most recently served as President, Consumer & Marketplace, responsible for Nike’s market and four geographic regions. Her prior roles included President, Nike Direct, responsible for accelerating Nike’s retail and digital commerce business. She was also responsible for building and leading the Nike Women’s business.
Williams will lead Nike’s four geographic regions and market across the direct-to-consumer and wholesale businesses. He will also lead the company’s supply chain and logistics. Williams joined Nike in 2019 as President, Jordan Brand. During that time, he led Jordan Brand through unprecedented growth, doubling sales in the last four years and becoming the second largest footwear brand in the U.S. In addition to leading Jordan Brand at the intersection of sports, culture and community, Williams has decades of experience building global brands and creating strong customer relationships.
O’Neill and Williams are supported by broad leadership at Nike and, together, will lead the company through its next phase of innovation and growth to support future generations of athletes. Sarah Mensah, VP/GM, North America, will become president of Jordan Brand. Scott Uzzell, currently CEO of Converse, will become VP/GM for North America, reporting to Williams. Uzzell’s successor will be named shortly. Jordan Brand and Converse will report to John Donahoe, President & CEO of Nike.
In addition to the above changes, Andy Campion, Chief Operating Officer, will assume a new leadership role as Managing Director, Strategic Business Ventures. In his new role, he will work closely with Donahoe to identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive outsized growth for the company. He will lead Nike Virtual Studios (NVS) and manage teams at Nike headquarters and offices in Los Angeles.
Michael Spillane, President, Consumer Creation, will retire later in 2023 after 16 years with the company.
“We’re driving even greater focus and integration across our business and teams through these changes, doubling down on what Nike does best: Seamlessly serving athletes with compelling product,“ commented Donahoe. “Our brand momentum is strong, our innovation pipeline is unmatched, and our strategy is working. What continues to be clear is that there’s so much more potential ahead of us.”
These changes, Donahoe continued, will allow Nike to streamline its focus on product, brand storytelling and market and gain deep consumer insights to deliver breakthrough innovation and engagement while delivering long-term growth and profitability.
