Nike cuts 1,400 jobs in restructuring
Company targets costs and growth amid sales slump
Nike is cutting about 1,400 jobs—just under 2% of its global workforce—as part of a restructuring intended to streamline workflows, reduce costs and sharpen focus on core priorities amid a multi‑year sales slump. The company said most cuts will fall within global operations and technology, consolidating tech roles into two hubs in Oregon and India to better integrate supply chains and accelerate digital initiatives.
CEO Elliott Hill, who became chief executive in 2024, has prioritized refocusing the brand on core sports such as running and soccer and speeding product delivery. Yet attempts to deliver consistently market‑defining sneaker launches have been uneven, and competitors including On, Hoka and Anta have gained retail traction. Nike’s shares edged higher in after‑hours trading following the announcement but remain down sharply over the past three years.
This move follows earlier reductions—most recently 775 roles cut in January tied to automation efforts—and is framed as part of a longer‑term transformation rather than a short‑term fix. Executives say the restructuring will eliminate overlaps, concentrate resources on innovation, direct‑to‑consumer channels and branded retail experiences, and bolster supply‑chain and inventory efficiency through technology and data investments.
Analysts have signalled the layoffs are unsurprising given persistent margin pressures from slowing demand in some markets, higher operating costs and intensified competition, and have noted Nike’s recovery progress is behind expectations. The company said it will offer severance and transition assistance to affected employees. Investors and industry watchers will monitor whether the changes translate into faster product cycles, improved margins and renewed growth momentum in performance categories and emerging markets.
