Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Nike CEO John Donahoe to Step Down

The embattled chief executive will make way for Elliott Hill, a Nike veteran who had retired from the brand in 2020.
John Donahoe Steps Down as Nike CEO, Replaced by Veteran Elliott Hill.
John Donahoe steps down as Nike CEO, replaced by veteran Elliott Hill. (Nike/BoF Studio)

Nike’s announcement Thursday that it would replace chief executive John Donahoe wasn’t a complete surprise. In recent weeks,

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

Further Reading

How Nike Ran Off Course

Nike is experiencing its worst slump in a decade, even as its competitors thrive. Insiders, athletes and fans pin the blame on changes made over the last few years that led to stalling innovation, disruptive restructurings and uninspired marketing.

Inside Nike’s Big Marketing Vibe Shift

The return of company veteran Nicole Hubbard Graham as CMO and the rollout of its ‘Winning Isn’t for Everyone’ campaign have helped fuel a push to restore Nike’s marketing glory after the brand ran off course. 'Do I think Nike stopped believing that the notion of winning could continue to grow this brand? Maybe.'

About the author
Daniel-Yaw Miller

Daniel-Yaw Miller is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Miller is a New York based journalist, editor and advisor who specialises in sports, fashion and business.

In This Article
Topics
Organisations
Tags

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Sports
How the collision of sports and fashion is creating new opportunities in both industries.

Why On’s Hot 2025 Turned Into a Cautious 2026

On finished its 2025 fiscal year with 30 percent sales growth. Despite its successful run last year, the company isn’t getting ahead of itself for 2026. Co-founder David Allemann explains that and more in today’s newsletter.


What Is Nike Doing With Its ACG Label?

The activewear giant seems intent on turning its nearly 40-year-old niche outdoor fashion brand into a mainstream success. The plan hinges on convincing backpackers and athletes its rugged technical gear can perform just as well as The North Face or Arc’teryx.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

What Stops Beauty Shoppers From Buying More

Beauty brands must rethink upselling with smarter value plays, from curated bundles to jumbo sizes and subscriptions, to keep their customers from switching to the competition.


Who Won Fashion’s Red Carpet Season of Change

Sunday night’s Oscars concluded an awards season that fashion’s biggest labels used to show off their new creative game. BoF breaks down what we learned about brands’ celebrity strategies.


VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON