Nike Announces Senior Leadership Shifts to Drive Continued Future Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced senior leadership changes to support its Consumer Direct Acceleration (CDA) strategy aimed at long-term growth and profitability. Effective March 13, Amy Montagne will lead the Women’s business as VP/GM, while Cathy Sparks will head the APLA geography as VP/GM. Whitney Malkiel, the current VP/GM Women’s, has left the company after over 20 years. These changes reflect NIKE's commitment to enhance its women's business and invest in key geographical markets. Heidi O’Neill, President of Consumer and Marketplace, emphasized the importance of these transitions in defining the future market and growth pathways.

Positive

• Leadership changes aimed at enhancing women's business and geographical investment.
• Amy Montagne's extensive experience within NIKE positions her well for future growth in the Women's segment.
• Cathy Sparks’ deep experience in digital and direct marketing supports CDA execution.

Negative

• Departure of Whitney Malkiel may create a leadership gap in the Women’s business.

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced senior leadership changes today in support of its Consumer Direct Acceleration (CDA). CDA is a digitally empowered phase of NIKE’s strategy to unlock long-term growth and profitability, first announced in 2020.

Amy Montagne, currently VP/GM, APLA will transition to lead the Women’s business as VP/GM Women’s. Cathy Sparks, currently VP, Nike Direct, EMEA, will transition to lead the APLA geography as VP/GM, APLA. Whitney Malkiel, currently VP/GM Women’s, has decided to leave Nike.

“These changes will further build on our strengths and underscore our commitment to accelerate our women’s business, invest in our geographies, and further grow our top talent. We remain committed to transforming Nike faster to define the marketplace of the future and unlock the next phase of growth through CDA,” said Heidi O’Neill, President of Consumer and Marketplace.

“Whitney played a significant role in leading our women’s business over the last three years and in her more than 20 years at Nike. We thank her for her contributions and leadership to the company,” said O’Neill.

These changes are effective as of March 13.

Biographical information on leaders:

Amy Montagne is an 18-year NIKE leader, most recently leading the Asia-Pacific Latin America geography. Previously she has held the roles of VP of Global Men’s, VP/GM, Global Categories. VP/GM, Global Women’s and VP/GM, Global Merchandising. She has also held positions of increasing responsibility in North America, Running, Women’s Training and Sportswear. Prior to joining NIKE, Montagne held roles in allocation, planning and merchandising at Gap Inc., Mervyn’s and Walmart.

Cathy Sparks is a 25-year NIKE leader, most recently leading as VP, Nike Direct, EMEA where she has led the execution of CDA with the growth of digital and Direct within an integrated Nike Sport Marketplace. Previously she has held the roles of VP/GM Global Nike Direct Stores, VP Nike Direct Retail Concepts, VP NA Nike Stores, GM Emerging Markets DTC and GM Korea DTC. Cathy started at NikeTown Portland as a store athlete, and has held positions of increasing responsibility across four geographies and global resulting in deep experience in marketplace transformation and consumer-led growth through brand, product and experiences.

ABOUT NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at https://investors.nike.com/. Individuals can also visit https://about.nike.com/ and follow NIKE on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230307005884/en/

Media Contact:

KeJuan Wilkins

media.relations@nike.com

Investor Contact:

Paul Trussell

investor.relations@nike.com

Source: NIKE, Inc.

FAQ

What are the recent leadership changes at NIKE (NKE)?

NIKE announced that Amy Montagne will lead the Women’s business and Cathy Sparks will head the APLA geography, effective March 13.

Who is taking over the Women's business at NIKE (NKE)?

Amy Montagne will transition to lead the Women’s business as VP/GM.

When do the leadership changes at NIKE (NKE) take effect?

The changes are effective as of March 13.

Why are NIKE's leadership changes significant?

These changes are part of NIKE's strategy to accelerate growth in the Women's segment and strengthen geographical investments.

What impact might Whitney Malkiel's departure have on NIKE (NKE)?

Whitney Malkiel's departure may create a leadership gap in the Women’s business, which could impact growth strategies.