Nike appoints new Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Kellie Leonard, Nike’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion is to step down after just two years in the role, to be replaced by Felicia Mayo.
According to a Nike spokesperson, Leonard is leaving to pursue other interests outside of the company.
Mayo, a former diversity chief at Tesla Inc, will lead a newly formed team as Chief Talent, Diversity and Culture Officer.
In the email on Monday, Chief Executive John Donahoe called the move “a structural shift” which “allows for more meaningful change, focusing on equal access to opportunity for all” employees.
He thanked Leonard for her 18 years of service at the company.
The company is now synonymous with equality-driven marketing, including LGBTQ+ collections, yet is perceived to struggle with inequities among its own staff.
In a letter seen by Financial Times in June, Mr Donahoe said he learnt that “many have felt a disconnect between our external brand and your internal experience. You have told me that we have not consistently supported, recognised and celebrated our own black teammates in a manner they deserve. This needs to change.”