Nike's top executive for North America steps down from position
Nike has announced the departure of Ann Hebert, the Vice President and General Manager of North America, effective from Monday. Hebert, who spent over 25 years with the company, was instrumental in driving Nike's growth in the region.
Hebert's departure comes after a series of challenges faced by retailers, including price-conscious shoppers and ever-changing tariffs, especially during the 2025 holiday season. These challenges require retailers to juggle a lot during this critical period.
In April 2020, Hebert was promoted to the position of North America heading, following her previous leadership roles such as vice president of global sales and vice president of North America sales. Her deep experience was praised by Heidi O'Neill, President of Consumer and Marketplace, who expressed confidence in Hebert's ability to accelerate Nike's Consumer Direct Offense in North America.
The Consumer Direct strategy, a focal point for Nike recently, emphasizes e-commerce, DTC sales through owned stores and digital channels, and stepping away from certain partners to focus on those that enhance the Nike brand. This strategy has been in the spotlight since the pandemic caused widespread, temporary store closures in North America in 2020, denting North America sales by 46% in the following quarter. However, since then, North America sales have been on the mend, down just 2% in the first quarter (ended Aug. 31, 2020) and up 1% in its most recent quarter.
It is not possible to confirm or elaborate on the cause of Hebert's departure or any impact on Nike's North American business initiatives based on the current search results and available data. The events surrounding Hebert's departure and her son's sneaker reselling business were not considered a violation of policy or a conflict of interest by Nike.
Nike plans to name a new head of North America soon. Prior to the global health crisis, revenue in North America was up 4%. The company's Consumer Direct plan has been accelerated over the summer, indicating a focus on recovering and growing the North American market.
- The pandemic caused widespread, temporary store closures in North America, which affected Nike's business and led to a 46% decrease in sales in the following quarter.
- The Consumer Direct strategy, focusing on e-commerce, DTC sales, and stepping away from certain partners, has been a focal point for Nike, especially since the pandemic.
- Despite the challenges and temporary setbacks caused by the pandemic, North America sales have been on the mend, down just 2% in the first quarter and up 1% in its most recent quarter.
- The news of Hebert's departure and her son's sneaker reselling business were not considered a violation of policy or a conflict of interest by Nike.
- Nike plans to name a new head of North America soon, indicating a focus on recovering and growing the North American market, which previously showed a 4% increase in revenue before the global health crisis.
