Nike lays off some workers in shakeup of technology division

[NEW YORK] Nike is downsizing its technology division and letting go of some employees as management resets priorities.

Staff in the world’s largest sportswear retailer’s strategic enterprise and corporate functions departments, which help manage business processes, were affected by the cuts, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Nike is shifting some of that work to third-party vendors, one of the sources said.

A representative for Nike confirmed the departure of tech workers.

Nike chief executive officer Elliott Hill has made changes at the top of the organisation since coming out of retirement in October to lead the business. He has named new leaders for departments including strategy, human resources and sports marketing. Muge Dogan, a former Amazon.com executive, remains Nike’s chief technology officer.

Nike’s tech division was roiled in 2023 when the company’s chief digital information officer left abruptly amid bribery allegations. A former employee filed a lawsuit in Oregon related to the accusations.

Hill is looking to spark a rebound at Nike, which has struggled to revive sales after the company’s previous management leaned too heavily on lifestyle products and alienated retail partners.

Efforts to recapture growth by refocusing on sports and wholesale channels have been complicated by US President Donald Trump’s trade war and uneven spending by US consumers.

Nike shares have declined 18 per cent so far this year to Monday’s (May 19) close, trailing the 1.4 per cent advance of the S&P 500 Index. BLOOMBERG