The director of diversity and inclusion at Nike will resign after just two years in office, as the company is now synonymous with equality-driven marketing and facing perceived inequalities among its own staff.
Kellie Leonard, who has held the position since the job began in 2018, will be replaced by Felicia Mayo, according to an email sent to Nike staff reviewed by the Financial Times.
In Monday’s email, Chief Executive John Donahoe called the moves “a structural change” that “allows for more meaningful change, focusing on equitable access to opportunities for all employees.” He thanked Leonard for his 18 years of service in the company.
A Nike spokesperson said “he decided to leave the company to pursue other interests.”
Ms. Leonard, who previously held roles in investor relations and as vice president of North America, did not respond to a request for comment.
Mrs. Mayo will assume the new title of Chief Officer of Talent, Diversity and Culture. She joined Nike last year from Tesla, where she served as vice president of human resources and diversity and inclusion.
The world’s largest sportswear maker has made world news in recent years for its marketing leadership on social justice issues. In the fall of 2018, the company launched an ad campaign with American football quarterback Colin Kaepernick, throwing the full weight of the brand behind its then-pioneering and controversial decision to “kneel” to protest police brutality.
But privately, some staff members have expressed frustration at the experiences of people from minority communities within Nike.
In a letter to staff in June, Mr. Donahoe said he learned that “many have felt a disconnect between our external brand and their internal experience. You have told us that we have not consistently supported, recognized and celebrated our own black comrades in the way they deserve. This has to change. “
This month, a trio of Instagram accounts purporting to share anonymous complaints about the experiences of black, female and LGBTQ Nike staff disappeared from the social media platform, causing some disappointment and confusion internally.
In another memo sent after Instagram accounts were closed, acknowledging that disappointment, the company encouraged employees to share concerns about their experiences through internal channels.
Nike has taken steps to improve pay equity and diversity among its staff, particularly since a group of women complained about the children’s club culture at the company in the spring of 2018, something that led to widespread pay changes, the departure of various executives and the creation of the role of diversity in which Leonard intervened.
According to a spokesperson, the proportion of non-white vice presidents increased from 16% in May 2017 to 21% as of December 2019.
Donahoe, a former Nike board member and former eBay and Service Now executive, took over as chief executive in January. The company said last week it would take over $ 200-250 million associated with job cuts this summer, as Donahoe seeks a restructuring.
