Nike appoints new EVP and Chief Communications Officer

BEAVERTON, Ore. - NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), the $90 billion market cap leader in athletic footwear and apparel, announced the upcoming appointment of Michael Gonda as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, effective July 7, 2025. Gonda will be responsible for leading the global communications strategy, which includes corporate storytelling, brand reputation, issues management, and employee engagement. According to InvestingPro analysis, Nike maintains its position as a prominent player in the Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods industry, with annual revenue of nearly $48 billion.

Gonda’s role will also involve him being a part of the Senior Leadership Team, directly reporting to NIKE’s President and CEO, Elliott Hill. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Nike’s position as a leader in sport and to enhance the brand’s connection with athletes and communities worldwide.

With a background at McDonald’s Corporation, where Gonda held roles such as Chief Impact Officer for North America and Global Chief Communications Officer, he brings experience in communications, public affairs, sustainability, community engagement, and philanthropy. His leadership at McDonald’s included membership on the Global Senior Leadership Team.

Prior to his tenure at McDonald’s, Gonda served in senior positions at Chobani and communications agency Weber Shandwick. His diverse experience is complemented by an academic background from Brown University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English with Honors.

President and CEO Elliott Hill praised Gonda’s strategic vision and emotionally intelligent leadership, expressing confidence in his ability to lead Nike’s communications in a way that amplifies the voice of sport and athletes.

Gonda himself expressed honor in joining Nike, a company he describes as a storyteller and cultural force. He looks forward to contributing to Nike’s narrative and connecting with athletes and communities.

NIKE, Inc., with its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, is a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories, also owning the Converse brand. The company’s financial information and other updates are available online for investors and the general public.

This announcement is based on a press release statement from NIKE, Inc.

In other recent news, Nike is set to increase prices on a wide range of products, excluding Air Force 1 shoes and children’s items, as reported by CNBC. The price adjustments will affect footwear, apparel, and equipment, with increases ranging from $2 to $10 for adult merchandise. This change comes as the retail industry anticipates tariffs that could impact profits. Additionally, Amazon will resume direct sales of Nike products, marking a significant partnership renewal since Nike ceased its sales on Amazon in 2019 due to concerns over counterfeit merchandise and unauthorized sellers.

Nike’s recent developments have also caught the attention of analysts. Truist Securities maintained a buy rating on Nike stock, highlighting strong sales of its men’s running shoes, with models ranking among the top five in the market. Conversely, RBC Capital Markets adjusted Nike’s price target to $65 from $66, citing inventory management challenges and upcoming product launches. The firm maintained a Sector Perform rating, expressing caution about the risk/reward profile heading into fiscal year 2025 earnings results.

Meanwhile, Deckers Outdoor Corporation reported earnings per share that exceeded expectations, although Raymond James reduced its price target to $140 while maintaining a Strong Buy rating. The company provided a softer outlook for the first fiscal quarter, with projected revenue growth below analyst expectations. Despite these adjustments, Raymond James believes the guidance includes conservative estimates, suggesting potential for accelerated share buybacks.

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