Nike, Inc. President & CEO Elliott Hill sent a note to company employees on Thursday afternoon, giving the team a head’s up on the company’s latest senior hire.
“I’m pleased to share that Jane Ewing will join the company as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, effective September 7. She will report directly to me and join our Senior Leadership Team,” Hill shared.
Ewing joins Nike after nearly 14 years at Walmart, where she most recently served as interim CEO for Sam’s Club China. She also held senior leadership roles spanning merchandising, digital acceleration and international operations. Prior to her tenure at Walmart, Ewing led one of the largest global divisions for Diageo plc, a global leader in premium beverages.
As chief commercial officer (CCO), Ewing is expected to lead the company’s global Marketplace organization, including sales and Nike Direct. Her direct reports will include VP of Global Sales Erica Bullard, VP of Nike Direct Shannon Glass and VP of Geo & Marketplace Analytics Gail Cornelius.
“This is an important part of our comeback,” Hill explained to the broader Nike, Inc. team. “Together, these leaders will continue advancing our efforts to create a more connected and integrated marketplace, strengthen partner relationships, elevate consumer experiences across digital and physical retail, and unlock growth opportunities around the world. We’ve made progress over the last year, and there’s more opportunity ahead of us.”
Hill said he was confident that they on the right path and building Nike the right way.
“A key part of that journey is ensuring we have the leadership in place to drive our next chapter of growth,” he said.
“Jane is a proven leader, bringing more than two decades of global leadership experience across retail, consumer goods, operations, sustainability and people management,” he continued. “Throughout her career, she has led complex, high-growth businesses across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, earning a reputation for developing leaders, strengthening organizations and delivering results at scale.”
Hill said Ewing’s experience, leadership and global perspective will help Nike to continue this work and accelerate growth across Nike Direct and Wholesale.
“Her role is vital to creating even stronger connections between brand, product and marketplace while serving athletes* and consumers around the world,” he stated.
“She’s a builder. She’s competitive. She has a genuine passion for sport and a strong belief in the power of brands to inspire and connect with consumers,” Hill said. “She understands what it takes to lead and win in dynamic environments. And her connection to Nike began long before joining the Swoosh, as a young middle-distance runner competing in Nike spikes.”
Image courtesy Nike, Inc.
