Skip to main content
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Nike Loses Third Diversity Chief in Two Years

Jarvis Sam had been with the company since 2018 but spent just five months in the role before his exit.
Jarvis joined Nike as director of diversity, sourcing programs in 2018 and was promoted several times before becoming chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer this year.
Jarvis joined Nike as director of diversity, sourcing programs in 2018 and was promoted several times before becoming chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer this year. (Shutterstock)

Jarvis Sam, Nike’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, has left the company after just five months in the newly created post.

Sam is the third diversity head to exit the brand in three years. In June, he replaced Felicia Mayo, who served as Nike’s chief talent, diversity and culture officer for just two years.

Treasure Heinle, vice president of HR Global Consumer & Marketplace, and Bernard Bedon, vice president and lead HR business partner, will manage the company’s DE&I portfolio until a successor is named.

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

ADVERTISEMENT

At the time of Sam’s appointment, Nike had plans integrate the role of its DE&I leader into “the creation and execution of our people strategy,” Matheson wrote in an email first obtained by The Financial Times.

Sam joined Nike as director of diversity, sourcing programs in 2018 and was promoted several times before becoming vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion since July 2020.

His predecessor Mayo joined the brand in 2019 after serving as a VP and head of diversity at Tesla. She replaced Kellie Leonard, Nike’s first head of diversity, who similarly held the role for two years. Nike had tasked Leonard with shaping its diversity and inclusion strategy after a New York Times article described a boys club culture at the sportswear company, including accusations that women employees were harassed and passed over for career opportunities.

Learn more:

Nike Diversity Chief to Leave Brand After Two Years

Felicia Mayo joined the brand in 2019 after serving as a VP and head of diversity at Tesla. She replaced Kellie Leonard, Nike’s first head of diversity, who also held the role for two years. Nike had tasked Leonard with shaping its diversity and inclusion strategy after a New York Times article described a boys club culture at the sportswear company.

© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Workplace & Talent
Analysis and advice on the future of work, careers and management.

The Best Jobs on BoF Careers

Discover the most exciting career opportunities now available on BoF Careers — including jobs from Gucci, Simone Rocha and Bloomingdale’s.


How Retail Store Employees Should Upskill Today

The nature of working in retail is changing at pace as the purpose of stores continues to evolve. BoF Careers examines how in-store employees can hone and develop their skill sets for success in retail or its adjacent industries, sharing expertise from retail leaders and fashion executives who began their careers on the shop floor.


Introducing BoF Careers Executive Search

A tailored recruitment service offering specialist support to secure top-tier talent for your open roles — from entry-level to C-suite positions across fashion, retail, luxury and beauty.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024
© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024