4 More Nike Execs Out Amid Inquiry Into Harassment Allegations
A sweeping investigation into workplace behavior at Nike has resulted in the departure of four more top-level executives, raising to 10 the number of senior managers to leave the company. Nike continues to overhaul its upper ranks amid widespread allegations of harassment and discrimination against female employees. Together, the departing executives oversee some of the most important business categories and highest-profile departments at the world's largest sports footwear and apparel company. The four additional people who have either left the company already or will depart soon, Nike confirmed on Tuesday, are Steve Lesnard, head of running in North America; Helen Kim, who oversaw Eastern North America; Simon Pestridge, head of marketing for the performance categories; and Tommy Kain, director of sports marketing.
Total Retail's Take: Nike is cleaning house as it tries to restore its employees’ confidence in the business. Workplace issues, including sexual harassment and gender discrimination claims, have plagued the athletic brand. Those issues have come to a head in recent months as women at Nike voiced their displeasure via an informal survey that was delivered to company CEO Mark Parker. In order to compete for the top talent in the industry, from marketing to IT to HR and other departments, Nike will need to remake its image. Getting rid of the executives responsible for letting this environment to fester is a good place to start.
