Nike unveils strategic leadership changes

Sportswear giant Nike announced on Tuesday significant leadership changes starting with the appointment of John Hoke, previously Nike’s chief design officer, to the role of chief innovation officer.

In this role, Hoke will collaborate with Tom Clarke, president, innovation, to enhance and expedite Nike’s innovation strategy.

Hoke’s former position as chief design officer will be assumed by Martin Lotti, a seasoned Nike designer with 26 years of experience. Lotti, who previously served as chief design officer for the Jordan Brand, will now oversee all aspects of Nike design, including footwear, apparel, brand, and retail concepts. The leadership changes are effective immediately. 

Looking ahead to 2024, Nicole Hubbard Graham, an industry leader with 18 years of experience at Nike, will take on the role of chief marketing officer. Graham, who co-founded Adopt, a minority-owned creative agency, will lead Nike’s global brand marketing team and shape the company’s marketing strategy during its next era of growth.

Graham succeeds Dirk-Jan  ‘DJ van Hameren, a key figure at Nike for 31 years and a former Olympian, who has decided to retire next summer. Van Hameren’s legacy includes spearheading Nike’s global brand storytelling efforts.

Lastly, Nike announced that Dr. Muge Erdirik Dogan will join the company as chief technology officer (CTO), effective November 27, 2023. Dogan, previously the president of Amazon Fashion, brings a wealth of experience in leading technology, science, and product teams. In her new role, she will focus on enhancing Nike’s consumer experiences through technological innovation, aligning with the company’s ambitious growth plans.

Reporting directly to John Donahoe, president and CEO, Nike, Dogan’s appointment is expected to bolster the company’s technology-driven initiatives, ensuring speed, efficiency, and quality across its products, platforms, and services.

“Innovation, design, and storytelling have always been the heart and soul of Nike. These leadership changes enable us to obsess 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.”