Nike Loses Diversity Chief — Again

Words by Retail Bum

Nike Loses Diversity Chief — Again
Nike Loses Diversity Chief — Again

Nike’s diversity and inclusion chief, Jarvis Sam, has stepped down from his role, becoming the third person to leave the position in the last two years.

Sam, who was appointed to the role just five months ago, had replaced the company’s chief talent, diversity and culture officer, Felicia Mayo. He joined the company as the director of diversity and sourcing programs in 2018. Over the next two years, he climbed the ranks to his last vice president position.

“We are grateful for the work Jarvis led together with his team,” said Monique Matheson, Nike’s chief human resources officer.

"That work has been instrumental to our progress. And while we are proud of what we've accomplished so far, we also recognize there is more to be done."

While the company is looking for Sam’s replacement, Nike’s Vice President of HR Global Consumer and Marketplace, Treasure Heinle, and Vice President and Lead HR Business Partner, Bernard Bedon, will oversee the diversity, equity, and inclusion portfolio.

Last year, the company laid out a five-year roadmap for a more diverse and inclusive workforce. As part of the plan, the company tied executive compensation to improving diversity, reducing the company’s environmental impact, and increasing the use of ethical manufacturing.

The launch of the program was part of Nike’s effort to clean up its image and become a more diverse and ethical organization. In 2019, the company came under fire for paying pregnant athletes significantly less.

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