Nike

Nike is bringing back an executive role after eliminating it just eight months ago. On Thursday, Nike Inc. president and chief executive officer Elliott Hill announced in a note to employees that the company has hired Jane Ewing as executive vice president and chief commercial officer, effective Sept. 7. She will report directly to Hill and will join the company’s senior leadership team . As chief commercial officer, Ewing will lead Nike’s global marketplace organization, including sales and Nike Direct. Vice president of global sales Erica Bullard, VP of Nike Direct Shannon Glass and VP of geo and marketplace analytics Gail Cornelius will report to Ewing.

Hill said in his letter that Ewing’s hire “is an important part” of Nike’s comeback. “Together, these leaders will continue advancing our efforts to create a more connected and integrated marketplace, strengthen partner relationships, elevate consumer experiences across digital and physical retail, and unlock growth opportunities around the world,” Hill said. ” Interestingly though, Hill eliminated the role of executive vice president and chief commercial officer in December, which saw the exit of longtime executive Craig Williams who held the position at the time.

Williams played a role in advancing the company’s marketplace strategy and was the former president of Nike’s Jordan Brand. ” “Her role is vital to creating even stronger connections between brand, product and marketplace while serving athletes and consumers around the world,” Hill said. Ewing joins the Swoosh from Walmart, where she spent the last nearly 14 years in various roles across the big box chain. Most recently, she served as senior advisor and executive team member of Walmart China. Ewing also held roles at Walmart like interim chief executive officer of Sam’s Club China, senior vice president of international operations and senior vice president of sustainability.

Prior to Ewing’s tenure at Walmart, she led one of the largest global divisions for Diageo PLC, a global leader in premium beverages for nearly nine years.