Elliott Hill, Nike Inc.’s chief executive officer, has completed a far-reaching overhaul of the sportswear giant’s leadership ranks with the hiring of Michael Gonda as chief communications officer—ending months of top-level staff overhauls intended to rekindle growth at the world’s largest sportswear company.
Gonda, who recently spearheaded global communications for McDonald’s Corp., will take on his new position in July. His hiring completes a wide-ranging reorganisation of Nike’s C-suite under Hill, said a source.
In an employees-only memo that was reported by Bloomberg, Hill characterised this as a “critical moment” for the firm and stated Gonda’s experience in leading organisations through internal change would be needed as Nike seeks to bounce back.
Since coming out of retirement in October, Hill has systematically restocked the company’s executive ranks, filling or promoting almost all major roles reporting directly to the CEO. His work comes at a time of difficulty for Nike, which is struggling with declining sales, changing consumer habits, and increased competition. The brand has reported four straight quarters of revenue falls, and shares had dropped about 20 per cent year-to-date before Monday’s 1.3 per cent minor bounce.
Hill’s restructuring plan is a return to Nike’s athletic heritage, following recent years of greater focus on fashion and lifestyle under former leadership. To carry out that vision, he has appointed a new head of the Nike brand, Amy Montagne; hired veteran footwear executive Phil McCartney to oversee innovation, design, and product; and appointed key positions in sports marketing, legal, human resources, growth, and supply chain operations.
Corporate strategy and diversity leadership roles have also been updated, emphasising Hill’s commitment to reassigning the firm’s direction from the top down.
The addition of Gonda not only completes the reshuffle but also puts Nike in a better place to craft and shape its story throughout a critical period of transition.
