Yet More Execs out at Nike Following Harassment Allegations

According to a recent story by The New York Times, Nike’s “sweeping investigation” into widespread workplace harassment and discrimination against female employees has resulted in the departures of five more top-level executives, raising the total to 11 since mid-March.

“Nike confirmed on Tuesday morning that four managers were leaving,” the story says, in addition to a senior creative director, “as it continues to overhaul its upper ranks.”

When the allegations first surfaced, Trent Edwards, president of the Nike brand and CEO Mark Parker’s likely successor, left the company, along with five other key executives, and the Times noted that “together, the departing executives oversee some of the most important business categories and high-profile departments at the world’s largest sports footwear and apparel company.”

This latest purge wasn’t completely unexpected. At the end of April, the Times interviewed 50 current and former employees regarding the complaints, and uncovered “indignities that included humiliating visits to strip clubs and unwanted kisses,” in addition to the consistent marginalization and harassment.

And while the story said that “the latest departures may provide more reassurance to employees seeking signs that Mr. Parker is trying to address the workplace problems that have plagued the company in recent years,” it also acknowledged that “the exodus of so many top executives could… heighten scrutiny of [the CEO], who worked closely with many of those who are leaving.”

You can read more about it at The New York Times.

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