Elliott Hill To Lead Nike As CEO, After A 32-Year Journey From Intern To Top Boss

Elliott Hill is set to become the new CEO of Nike on 14 October, succeeding John Donahoe as the leader of the global sportswear giant. A long-time veteran of Nike, Hill is tasked with revitalising the brand, which has been facing stiff competition from emerging rivals like On and Deckers' Hoka, impacting both sales and consumer engagement.

Hill’s journey with Nike began in 1988 as an intern, and he steadily climbed the corporate ladder, holding numerous leadership roles until his retirement in 2020.

“Nike has always been a core part of who I am, and I’m ready to help lead it to an even brighter future. Over the past 32 years, I’ve had the honor of working with the best in the industry, helping to create the special company it is today,” Hill said in a statement.

He added, “I’m excited to reconnect with colleagues and trusted partners and build new relationships that will drive us forward.”

Hill’s rise from intern to CEO is documented on his LinkedIn profile, which highlights his start as an ‘Intern, Apparel Sales Representative’ in 1988. In previous interviews, he has revealed that securing that role took six months of persistent lobbying.

After graduating from Ohio University’s sports marketing programme, Hill worked hard to land a job at Nike. He convinced a company rep, who had spoken at his class, to give him a chance, often reminding him that all his classmates had secured jobs except for him.

After two years as an intern, Hill moved into sales and quickly rose through the ranks. He credits his work ethic to his upbringing in a working-class Texas neighborhood, raised by a single mother.

In 1998, ten years after joining Nike, Hill was promoted to Director of the Team Sports Division. Over the course of three decades, he held numerous Vice President roles before becoming President of Geographies & Sales in 2013. He retired in 2020 as President, Consumer & Marketplace.

Fortune reports that Nike is bringing Hill back with a compensation package worth $27 million. This includes $7 million in equity and cash awards to cover lost earnings from his return, along with up to $20 million in potential stock and cash awards. His bonus, along with a long-term equity incentive valued at $15.5 million, will depend on performance milestones.