Nike chairman and CEO Mark Parker said in a conference call Thursday that “behavioral issues that are inconsistent with Nike’s values” led to the resignations of two top executives last week.
“I would first like to acknowledge the changes we made last week to further evolve our culture and restructure out leadership,” Parker said at the start of the company’s quarterly earnings call. “We became aware of some behavioral issues that are inconsistent with Nike’s values of inclusivity, respect and empowerment. I am committed to ensure we have an environment where every Nike employee can have a positive experience and reach their full potential.”
The conference call was the first time Parker has spoken about the changes, although the content of his statements mirrored what was circulated in a company-wide memo and in a news release March 15 when it was announced Trevor Edwards, the Nike brand president, would step down. Jayme Martin, Nike’s vice president and general manager of global categories, resigned Friday.
Edwards will remain an advisor to Parker until he retires in August.
Parker didn’t provide specific details on why either Parker or Martin were no longer executives at the company. The Wall Street Journal reported the the two had protected male employees who had allegedly demeaned women and bullied those born outside the U.S.
CNBC reported earlier this week that the complaints became known after Parker was alerted to an informal survey within the Oregon-based shoe giant in which women described inappropriate behavior and discrimination. That led Parker to launch the probe that spurred the departures of Edwards and Martin.
“We have a deep leadership bench at Nike and I’m confident the restructured leadership team will continue to strengthen our culture and drive the consumer-direct offense,” Parker said.
