Nike confirmed in an internal memo that Tony Bignell is leaving his post as chief innovation officer after serving in the position for under a year. Bignell had been promoted into the role last June by Chief Executive Elliott Hill, and his exit continues a pattern of turnover in Nike’s innovation leadership.
The company said Bignell will depart to pursue his own creative and philanthropic interests. His departure makes him the third person to vacate the innovation chief role within a period of less than three years, a fact the company disclosed in the memo.
Effective Sunday, Andy Caine will step into the position. Caine currently serves as Nike’s vice president and creative director for sportswear. In the new arrangement, Caine will report to Phil McCartney, who was appointed last year to a newly created post combining innovation, design and product oversight.
The announcement reiterates the reporting relationships established as part of earlier leadership changes. Bignell’s elevation last June was one of Chief Executive Elliott Hill’s initial moves after taking the top job, and McCartney’s appointment to the consolidated innovation, design and product role was made the prior year.
This change is limited to an internal succession and the company’s public comments note Bignell’s plans to focus on personal creative and philanthropic work. Nike has named a specific successor and clarified to whom the new chief innovation officer will report.
Contextual details confirmed by the company
- Tony Bignell was promoted to chief innovation officer last June by CEO Elliott Hill.
- Bignell is leaving to pursue creative and philanthropic interests.
- Andy Caine, vice president and creative director for sportswear, will assume the innovation chief role effective Sunday.
- Caine will report to Phil McCartney, who was appointed last year to the newly created role of chief innovation, design and product officer.
- This departure marks the third time the innovation chief role has turned over in under three years.