Companies

Nike appoints ex-Foot Locker Executive as COO

Sep 2, 2026 United States

The US-based sportswear company has appointed former Foot Locker executive Kristin Bauer as Chief Operating Officer of its underperforming Converse brand

According to an internal memo viewed by Bloomberg News and signed by Converse Chief Executive Officer Aaron Cain, Kristin Bauer is set to join the company as Chief Operating Officer on the 14^th of September. She will report to the parent company’s COO, Venky Alagirisamy.

She was the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Foot Locker, which is now owned by Dick’s Sporting Goods, for almost three years until April. She has also held several other roles in supply chain management and logistics at companies including TJX Cos. and Ulta Beauty.

The appointment comes amid ongoing discussions within the industry about Converse’s future, following a long period of falling sales. The brand has now recorded revenue declines for 13 consecutive quarters.

In its latest full-year results, published at the end of June, Converse reported a revenue decline of 31% on a reported basis and 32% on a currency-neutral basis, compared to the previous fiscal year, reflecting a fall in sales across all regions.

In the same week, Nike’s CEO announced in a note to employees that Jane Ewing would be joining the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer on the 7^th of September. She spent nearly 14 years at Walmart, most recently serving as interim chief executive officer of Sam’s Club in China. Nike had previously eliminated that role eight months ago.

Image Credits: hypebae.com

United States Converse Companies Management Nike Sportswear