Nike has named Jane Ewing, a 14-year veteran of Walmart, as its new chief commercial officer, effective September 7. According to a memo to employees from CEO Elliott Hill, Ewing will be vital to strengthening connections across the organization.
Ewing will lead Nike’s global marketplace, which includes sales and Nike Direct, and will report to Hill as a member of the senior leadership team. She will oversee Vice President of Global Sales Erica Bullard, Vice President of Nike Direct Shannon Glass, and Vice President of Geographies and Marketplace Analytics Gail Cornelius.
Ewing’s appointment comes just months after the company eliminated the chief commercial officer role in December. In her new position, she will be responsible for accelerating both wholesale and direct-to-consumer growth, according to Hill.
Ewing’s experience at Walmart includes roles in merchandising, digital, and international operations. She was most recently interim CEO for Sam’s Club China and previously led a global division of beverage firm Diageo PLC.
CEO Elliott Hill, who came out of retirement to lead Nike nearly two years ago, is still making changes to the company’s leadership team. New CFO David Denton arrived earlier this month, replacing longtime Nike veteran Matt Friend.
Nike’s direct-to-consumer business was a key part of the company’s strategy under former CEO John Donahoe, but the company has scaled back its efforts in recent years. Ewing’s appointment is seen as an effort to revitalize the company’s sales and direct channels.
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Hill said Ewing’s role is vital to building strong connections between product, brand, and distribution channels. “This is an important part of our comeback,” Hill said in a memo on Ewing’s appointment.
Nike faces significant challenges, including decelerating consumer trends and negative trends in its China and Converse businesses. The company’s revenue fell 1% in the most recent quarter, and it cut guidance due to slowing consumer demand.
Analysts have flagged some positive signs, but others see the quarter as another sign of a protracted turnaround. Nike is also contending with damaged wholesale relationships and a decline in revenue at its Converse brand, which fell 32% in the most recent quarter.
Ewing’s experience and leadership will be essential in addressing these challenges and driving growth for the company. As Hill noted, “Together, these leaders will continue advancing our efforts to create a more connected and integrated marketplace, strengthen partner relationships, and unlock growth opportunities around the world.”
They are resetting the company’s online distribution strategy in China, with a focus on consolidating its digital presence in the region.
