Nike may be starting a new trend as industry analysts voice concerns over the “brain drain” in Beaverton. The company has tapped into some of that talent loss again, bringing back retired Tom Peddie as VP of Marketplace Partners.
Peddie worked for Nike for 30 years before retiring in 2020. He was most recently VP and GM of North America.
Executive search firm MacGregor Black noted the reappointment on Tuesday morning, July 9, on LinkedIn, saying the “move comes as the iconic sports brand looks to enhance its relationships with existing retailers such as Foot Locker.”
MacGregor Black quoted an internal Nike statement from Craig Williams, president of Geographies and Marketplace, which reads, “As we continue to focus and improve capabilities in our wholesale business, I am confident that Tom will bring both vision and bold leadership to accelerate the Marketplace strategy.”
A Bloomberg news report citing an internal Nike memo also said the move was made to “mend relationships with retailers as the sneaker maker struggles with falling sales.”
Peddie reportedly returned to Nike on June 24.
Image courtesy Nike
