When the market suggests that your lack of innovation is one of the biggest issues with your brand, you can probably expect that your innovation chief is in trouble. With a new Nike brand president appointed early in May and the brand’s VP of footwear promoted to EVP and chief innovation, design and product officer, the current chief innovation officer with decades with the brand clearly has a plan to depart.
Nike is confirming that John Hoke, Nike’s chief innovation officer, is retiring after serving in the role since 2023. He was said to be responsible for accelerating the rate of product development as the brand looked to fill the pipeline with new product to meet consumer demand and expectations.
Hoke will reportedly retire in October. His latest stint with Nike has run more than 15 years as he re-joined the brand as VP Nike design in January 2010. Hoke’s first design stint with Nike began in January 1995 as global creative director. He served for more than 13 years in key footwear creative, design and innovation roles. He joined the comapny’s Converse unit in 2008 as VP global footwear, a role he served in for nearly two years.
Nike reportedly intends to announce a successor for the chief innovation officer position shortly, according to an internal memo seen by Bloomberg. However, it appears someone has already been appointed to the top innovation role – at least at the EVP level. Curiouser and curiouser goes the saying.
Bloomberg reported that Nike Inc. CEO Eliott Hill told employees in the memo that “Hoke had a meaningful effect on Nike’s growth throughout his tenure, and that his design influence will be seen at Nike for years to come.” He reportedly credited Hoke with designing the first Niketown New York and the Serena Williams Building at company headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Hoke is an architect and designer by education and early career. He reportedly started at Nike in 1992 working on stores and fixtures before getting into footwear.
Nike in early May reported the ascension of Amy Montagne, previously VP/GM of global women’s, to president of Nike, responsible for serving consumers across all sports and driving future growth for the Nike Brand.
Phil McCartney, formerly VP of footwear, was promoted to EVP, chief innovation, design and product officer responsible for the creation of “innovative and coveted product, season-after-season,” including “how Nike, Jordan and Converse innovates, designs and creates products for consumers around the world.”
Nicole Graham, previously chief marketing officer, has been promoted to EVP, chief marketing officer, leading Nike, Jordan and Converse storytelling to “inspire consumers and shape the brands for distinction through the passion and emotion of sport.”
Tom Clarke, strategic advisor to the CEO and member of Nike’s senior leadership team, assumed the new role of chief growth initiatives officer.
Images courtesy Nike, Inc.
