Nike’s Rough Patch Continues
As Hollywood, the media, and multiple branches of government have begun to reckon with decades of systemic sexual harassment and abuse, the same hasn't exactly happened in the world of fashion. But while critics have accused the fashion world of being slower to respond to the #MeToo movement than those other industries, that's not entirely the case—to start, look at the quiet but seismic changes currently taking place at Nike.
Last month, VP and general manager of global categories Jayme Martin and brand president Trevor Edwards both abruptly stepped down amidst an internal review of company misconduct. The Wall Street Journal reported the two executives had protected male subordinates against accusations of bullying and mistreating women, and while Nike refused to publicly link either departure with the misconduct review, an internal memo announcing Edwards’s resignation vaguely cited behavior inconsistent with Nike’s values. But those early moves haven't stemmed further attrition.
Antoine Andrews, Nike’s head of diversity, was pushed out last week. And Andrews was not alone: Two additional senior executives departed with him. Per the Journal, Nike didn't give a reason for the firings, but their departures were described as "abrupt." The loss of a head of diversity is especially notable, given the company struggles to endear itself to women and millennials.
These high-profile shakeups come at an inopportune time for the brand: Nike's been suffering a sales slump in North America, and Adidas remains hot on the Swoosh's heels. Back in November, Nike design director Ken Link left after 22 years for brand rival Adidas, where he joined all-world sneaker designer Marc Dolce. And it's not just the Three Stripes: Just this week, Nike’s chief marketing officer for Converse was said to have jumped ship to Supreme in February, a reminder that the sportswear giant is not immune to losing talent to upstart brands, either. It's been a rough couple months for the Beaverton giant, and we don't expect the microscope to be moving anytime soon.
