Case study
Nike: stepping up from a regional to a global role
The client
Nike Inc. is a global sports footwear, apparel, and equipment manufacturer with a mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.
The brief
Nike needed to appoint a NikeU talent development director for Europe, with plans for the appointee to transition into a global talent leadership role at its US headquarters in Portland within 12-18 months.
The candidate needed to be technically expert, a recognised thought leader, have high potential for global leadership, and be willing to spend over a year in a regional role before relocating to the USA.
What we did
International search
We conducted a comprehensive search across Europe, Asia, and the USA, targeting candidates with the right mix of expertise, leadership potential, and cultural fit for Nike.
Rigorous assessment
Each candidate was thoroughly assessed, not just for technical skills, but also for leadership style, behaviours, and their ability to navigate both European and American business environments.
Detailed reporting
We provided Nike with an in-depth evaluation of each shortlisted candidate, highlighting their strengths and potential for future leadership within the company.
The results
Strategic choice
Nike appointed a candidate who met all their criteria: she was technically expert, demonstrated high potential for global leadership, and was globally mobile.
Cultural alignment
The candidate fit well within Nike’s culture and was ready to take on the regional role before transitioning to the global position.
High satisfaction
Nike expressed their satisfaction with the process and the outcome, describing the shortlist as ‘exceptionally strong’ and the final candidate as the perfect fit.
In summary
Through a thorough international search and rigorous candidate assessment, we helped Nike appoint a NikeU talent development director who was not only technically expert and culturally aligned but also ready to step up to a global leadership role. The result was a successful placement, with Nike expressing full satisfaction with both the process and the outcome.
