Five more Nike execs exit on management overhaul amid sexual assault inquiry

Nike continues to oust its top-level executives, with reports that the US sportswear behemoth has let go of five more managers, raising the total to eleven, amid its inquiry into sexual assault allegations.

Nike confirmed on Tuesday morning that four managers were leaving: Steve Lesnard, the head of running in North America; Helen Kim, who oversaw Eastern North America; Simon Pestridge, a head of marketing for the company’s performance categories; and Tommy Kain, Nike’s director of sports marketing, according to a report published by the New York Times.

Later in the day, a Nike spokeswoman also confirmed the departure of Ibrahem Hasan, a senior creative director, said the Times.

Nike has not given any further information on the exits. No comment has been made by the former executives.

The news follows a plethora of senior executive exits, starting on March 15 with the shock departure of brand president Trevor Edwards, on reports that Nike was investigating workplace complaints regarding anti-company behaviour. 

Jayme Martin, who oversaw many of Nike’s global businesses, soon followed suit, ensued by Nike’s head of diversity and inclusion and the vice president of Express Lane footwear.

Those departures came after a group of female Nike employees began an informal survey that sought input on sexual harassment and discrimination against women.

The survey was presented to Mark Parker, Nike’s chief executive, on March 5. 

Last week, Parker apologised to employees and said that departures would be completed by this week.

In April, Nike chief human resources officer, Monique Matheson said via an internal mail that the company needs to accelerate representation of women and people of colour at leadership levels.