Prime Highlight
- Nike has reshuffled its regional leadership across EMEA, Greater China, and APLA to strengthen performance in key international markets.
- The changes aim to support the company’s “Sport Offense” strategy, focusing on product innovation, faster execution, and regional growth.
Key Facts
- César Garcia will lead EMEA, Cathy Sparks will take over Greater China, and Cristin Campbell will become interim head of APLA.
- Nike shares rose nearly 5% to $63.63 following the announcement, despite a 32% drop in Q2 net income and a 17% sales decline in China.
Background
Nike on Tuesday announced a major reshuffle of its regional leadership as the sportswear maker works to strengthen performance in key international markets. The changes affect Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Greater China, and Asia Pacific and Latin America (APLA).
The company said César Garcia will take charge as vice president and general manager for the EMEA region from February 2. He replaces Carl Grebert, who is retiring after nearly 30 years with Nike. In Greater China, long-time executive Angela Dong will leave the company on March 31. Cathy Sparks, a Nike veteran with 25 years at the company, will succeed her. Sparks earlier led the APLA region. Nike has named Cristin Campbell as interim head of APLA.
Nike said the leadership realignment supports its “Sport Offense” strategy, which focuses on sharpening product innovation, speeding up execution and rebuilding momentum in underperforming regions. China remains a key concern, as demand there has been uneven.
Investors welcomed the moves. Nike shares jumped nearly 5% to $63.63 following the announcement. Jefferies reaffirmed its buy rating on the stock and named Nike its top large-cap pick for 2026. Analysts also pointed to Nike’s strong dividend record, with the company nearing 25 straight years of dividend increases.
The leadership changes come as Nike faces financial pressure. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, revenue rose just 1% to $12.43 billion, while net income fell 32% to $792 million. Sales in Greater China fell 17%, and Nike Direct revenue dropped 8%.
Still, early signs of product success have lifted sentiment. Nike’s new Mind footwear line sold out quickly and now trades at a premium in resale markets.
Nike said execution will be key as new leaders take charge, especially in China, where recovery remains critical to the company’s long-term growth plans.
