Pushing Change

Nike has named Felicia Mayo its new chief talent, diversity and culture officer. Mayo joined Nike last year from Tesla, where she was vice president of human resources and diversity and inclusion. Mayo replaces Kellie Leonard, who served in the role since it was created in 2018 and is ‘leaving to pursue other interests.’ The move could be a result of a staff letter from Nike CEO John Donahoe in June where he wrote “many have felt a disconnect between our external brand and your internal experience.”

Diversity has been a major topic of late for the footwear and apparel industry, with Nike, Adidas and Under Armour all rolling out new diversity and inclusion initiatives. Adidas’ former head of human resources left in July following employee complaints about the culture and lack of diversity.

Other Nike News:

— Despite a slowdown in physical retail store traffic, Nike opened a new House of Innovation concept in Paris. Nike has two other “digitally powered” stores in New York City and Shanghai.

— Nike announced $1 million grants to the NAACP Empowerment Programs, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and Black Girls CODE. It is the company’s first step in its four-year, $40 million commitment to support organizations focused on social justice and racial inequality efforts.