In a significant restructuring effort, Nike Inc. is seeing the departure of two key executives, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Daniel Heaf and Chief Communications Officer KeJuan Wilkins, as per reports. This shakeup comes as CEO Elliott Hill implements sweeping changes to revitalise the sportswear giant amid declining sales.
Heaf’s role has been eliminated, with his responsibilities being absorbed by the finance department, according to an internal company memo. Wilkins, a nearly two-decade old veteran who ascended to his position in 2023, is also leaving the company. No immediate replacement has been announced for Wilkins.
These changes are part of a broader leadership overhaul initiated by Hill since he took the helm in October. He has already appointed new leaders for sports marketing, legal, and human resources, signaling a strategic shift back to Nike’s core focus on sports and strengthening its ties with retail partners.
The restructuring occurs as Nike grapples with a sales downturn, following a year marked by corporate layoffs and the recent CEO transition. The company is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings on Thursday, with analysts forecasting an 11 per cent drop in sales.
This leadership adjustment reflects Hill’s commitment to steering Nike through its current challenges and repositioning the brand for future growth. Neither Wilkins nor Heaf have yet issued public statements regarding their departures.
