Nike announced on Wednesday the appointment of Ann Miller as the company’s top sports marketing executive. Miller, an 18-year veteran of Nike, currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. She will take over the role of Executive Vice President of Global Sports Marketing from John Slusher, who is retiring after 26 years with the company.
In her new position, Miller will lead and grow Nike’s portfolio of athletes, leagues, and federations. She will also work to integrate athletes into the brand’s newest innovations, products, and storytelling efforts. “Ann possesses a unique blend of athlete mindset, deep legal expertise, and exceptional leadership.
Her appointment is a testament to the value she brings to Nike,” said Elliott Hill, Nike’s new Chief Executive Officer. “I have the utmost confidence Ann will inspire, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, continuing to make a lasting impact on our business and the world of sport.”
Nike also announced that Rob Leinwand, currently Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer.
Miller leads Nike’s marketing efforts
Leinwand, who joined Nike in 2004, will join the company’s senior leadership team. “Rob is an exceptional lawyer and a trusted advisor who has consistently demonstrated excellence in his work for Nike. I’m thrilled to welcome him to our Senior Leadership Team, where his expertise will be invaluable in driving our business forward,” Hill said.
Additionally, Nike’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, Venkatesh Alagirisamy, will now report directly to Hill as a member of the senior leadership team. This move aligns with Nike’s continued focus on speed and efficiency within its supply chain operations. These appointments come as part of a broader leadership shakeup at Nike, following mixed results in its recent quarterly earnings call and the announcement that CEO John Donahoe will step down.
The company has withdrawn its annual guidance and will provide quarterly updates throughout 2025. The strategic changes and new appointments reflect Nike’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership and drive growth across its global operations in the face of a rapidly evolving sports and retail landscape.
