Home Nike Names Nicole Hubbard Graham As New Chief Marketing Officer in Executive Shuffle

Nike Names Nicole Hubbard Graham As New Chief Marketing Officer in Executive Shuffle

The appointment is part of a wider executive shake-up designed to speed up innovation at the sneaker giant, which recently began facing up to stiffer competition in the running and lifestyle categories. Graham previously worked for the Portland, Ore-based sportswear giant for 18 years, leaving in early 2021 to set up a brand and creative marketing agency. Her return to lead Nike’s global brand marketing team, overseeing all aspects of its marketing practice. Nike executives have said they are working to improve product marketing and assortments as well as to forge more meaningful connections with everyday runners.

Business

August 14, 2024

byLos Angeles Times

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Nike, which reported a 2% decline in North American footwear sales in its latest quarter, is facing energetic competition for both athletes and casual consumers from brands including Hoka, On, Adidas and New Balance.

And although Nike remains the world’s largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel, some consumers and industry analysts have said its pace of innovation has slowed.

“We are focused and mobilized to address areas where we need to raise our game,” Chief Executive John Donahoe said during an earnings call in September.

Nike on Tuesday also named 30-year company veteran John Hoke its first chief innovation officer, tasked with amplifying and accelerating the company’s innovation strategy and distinction.

Hoke had been chief design officer, a role that will be filled by Martin Lotti, who had been chief design officer for Nike’s Jordan Brand, a sneakerhead favorite with a cult following.

And Muge Erdirik Dogan was named chief technology officer, responsible for improving the speed, efficiency, and quality of Nike’s consumer experiences. She had been president at Amazon Fashion.