US company Nike announces key leadership changes

Aligning against its next chapter of growth, John Hoke, a 30-year Nike veteran, will become the chief innovation officer, Nike. Hoke, who most recently served as Nike’s first chief design officer, will partner with Tom Clarke, president, innovation, Nike to amplify and accelerate Nike’s innovation strategy and distinction.

Succeeding Hoke as the chief design officer, Nike, will be 26-year Nike designer Martin Lotti. With decades of expertise and leadership at Nike, Lotti assumes Nike’s top design role after most recently serving as the chief design officer for the Jordan Brand. In his new role, Lotti will oversee all aspects of Nike design, from footwear and apparel to brand and retail concepts.

The leadership changes with Hoke and Lotti are effective immediately.

Industry leader Nicole Hubbard Graham will become the company’s new chief marketing officer, Nike, effective January 2, 2024. Graham, a former 18-year Nike veteran, will lead Nike’s global brand marketing team and oversee all aspects of marketing, aligning the company’s brand voice against its next era of growth. Previously at Nike, she held various global marketing leadership roles across the business and geographies. Most recently, she was co-founder of Adopt, a minority-owned company and creative agency.

“Innovation, design, and storytelling have always been the heart and soul of Nike. These leadership changes enable us to further our unparalleled innovation, product, design, and storytelling to reimagine sport for the next generation of athletes,” said Heidi O’Neill, president, consumer, product and brand, Nike. “Together, these leaders will deliver new levels of performance, style and breakthrough storytelling for consumers around the world.”

“I’d like to thank DJ for his dedication and commitment to Nike for the past 31 years. His vision and leadership will serve many generations to come,” said O’Neill. “I am proud of the work he has done to help make Nike the leader it is.”

Hoke, Lotti and Graham will report to O’Neill.

Dr Muge Erdirik Dogan will join Nike as chief technology officer (CTO) to further deepen and strengthen the speed, efficiency, and quality of Nike’s consumer experiences with products, platforms, and services. The role will deliver technology innovation to accelerate Nike’s bold growth plans. Dogan will be on the executive leadership team and report to John Donahoe, president & CEO, Nike.

“Dogan is a consumer-driven leader who prioritises connecting technology and science to customer experience, product innovation, and supply chain efficiency to drive profitable growth. She joins our deep bench of leadership talent across the enterprise that will lead us to capitalise on the great opportunities ahead,” said Donahoe.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)