As Nike continues to regroup following a major exec shakeup in the wake of alleged inappropriate workplace conduct, new names are emerging in the discussion around CEO Mark Parker's likely successors.
Nike brand president Trevor Edwards was long considered the top contender to Parker's role, but it was announced last week he will resign in August after news of a workplace behavior scandal broke. Along with Edwards' unexpected departure, Parker said he was committed to maintaining his role as Nike's CEO beyond 2020, but a few names are already being tossed around.
According to Portland Business Journal, likely contenders include Eric Sprunk, chief operating officer at Nike, and Michael Spillane, president of categories and product at Nike and former CEO of Converse. Both Spillane and Sprunk—along with Edwards—have been noted as potential successors since as far back as June 2016, but Elliott Hill, president of consumer and marketplace at Nike, has also been added to the mix. Hill and Spillane's roles were both elevated last week following the exec shake-up.
During Nike's Q3 earnings report yesterday, Parker addressed the transitions. "As you know, I’ve publicly committed to serve as Chairman, President and CEO of Nike, Inc. beyond 2020," Parker said. "Trevor Edwards and I both agreed to a change in leadership structure in the Nike brand at this time…as we transition to our next phase of growth and continue to evolve our culture. Trevor will work with me as an advisor through this transition until he retires in August. I’d like to thank him for his important and significant contributions in growing and strengthening the Nike brand around the world
In related news, Edwards will reportedly receive a $525,000 payout after his resignation in August.
