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A new era is taking place at Nike as 32-year Swoosh vet Elliott Hill will be the brand’s newest President and CEO as John Donahoe will step down from the helm in October after 4 years.
Hill has had a distinguished and multi-faceted career at Nike, serving in various senior leadership roles over nearly three decades. His journey at the company began in 1988, and over the years, Hill rose through the ranks to become one of Nike’s most prominent executives.
Intern to CEO ?
Elliott Hill has one of the best LinkedIn profiles of all time, starting as an intern at Nike in 1988 + climbing the ladder all the way to CEO 30 years later ?? https://t.co/jC61ycI77r pic.twitter.com/skk9t8jsLN
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) September 20, 2024
His contributions have spanned global brand management, consumer engagement, and driving retail innovation, all of which helped shape Nike’s identity as a leading sportswear giant.
Hill’s expertise lies in brand strategy and consumer experience, which he honed during his time as President of Geographies & Integrated Marketplace at Nike. In this role, he oversaw global business operations and was responsible for ensuring Nike’s product offerings resonated across diverse markets. He also played a pivotal role in streamlining the brand’s retail strategies by merging digital and physical consumer experiences, ensuring that Nike remained agile in a fast-evolving retail landscape. This integration between direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels boosted both engagement and sales.
In 2018, Hill was appointed as Nike’s Chief Consumer & Marketplace Officer, a role in which he further emphasized consumer-centric strategies. He was instrumental in expanding Nike’s digital platforms, particularly the Nike app and SNKRS, which became vital during the global shift toward e-commerce. His leadership in integrating digital innovation and personalized consumer engagement was crucial in cementing Nike’s dominance in a highly competitive market.
Throughout his tenure, Hill’s visionary leadership, especially in terms of global growth, has had a lasting impact. His influence contributed significantly to the company’s ability to stay relevant and innovative, even amidst challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Hill retired from Nike in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of consumer-driven growth and operational excellence.
Hill returns at a time when Nike needs a leader with a vision, passion, and excitement for the storied brand.
Read below the five things you need to know about Nike’s newest CEO.
He started as an intern
He is the co-founder of a Sandlot Baseball Team, the Austin Moon Towers
He auctioned and matched his collection of rare samples and PEs to benefit youth charity raising more than $2.1 million
He led the Dream Crazy campaign that Colin Kaepernick narrated
As a Dallas-based sales rep, he drove more than 60,000 miles a year in a minivan selling Nike shoes and visiting his retail partners
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