Berglass+Associates’ Post

Big changes at Nike! 👀 John Donahoe, Nike's embattled CEO, is stepping down. Elliott Hill, a Nike veteran who retired in 2020, is stepping back in to lead the brand into its next chapter. Here’s my take: Nike has dominated the traditional e-commerce game, but is that enough in today’s immersive era? Consumers want more than just a transaction—they demand interactive, engaging experiences. And immersive eCommerce isn’t a fad. It’s not a gimmick—it’s the future of how we connect with brands. For companies like Nike, embracing immersive experiences will enhance their brand DNA. It won’t detract from what made them a powerhouse; it will elevate what they already do best—innovation, engagement, and connection with their audience. Elliott Hill’s return brings hope. As a leader who understands Nike’s core, he’s in a prime position to guide them toward this next frontier of digital commerce. But will Nike take the leap into fully immersive experiences, or stay in their comfort zone? I’m cheering for Nike to take bold steps forward. 🚀 #immersivecommerce #ecommerce #nike #justdoit #turnonwhatsnext What do you think? Is it time for Nike to revolutionize e-commerce with immersive tech, or will they play it safe? Read more about this leadership shift below: 🔗

Do I have any particular opinions on Nike’s digital strategy and their decision to shift away from wholesale? In fact, I sold all my Nike ESPP stock right after they cut ties with some retail partners. To me, this didn’t seem like a sustainable approach to keep their market share. But I also understand that leaders often face intense pressure from the board and investors to make bold moves to push a certain story forward—even if it’s not always the right one. Plus, the pandemic made things even harder for companies everywhere. In the end, stepping down doesn’t necessarily mean someone wasn’t a good leader. Sometimes, It’s just a consequence of the context they were working in. As for the incoming leader, a 32-year Nike veteran, I’m sure many current and former Nike employees have great stories to share. But what I want to focus on is the value of veterans in the corporate world. People who have worked for decades bring unique challenges, but they also contribute significantly to companies. While younger employees offer fresh ideas, experienced professionals provide stability, deep knowledge, and key skills like leadership and problem-solving. Their experience helps them manage tough situations and mentor others, making them essential in difficult times. Unfortunately, many cost-cutting companies see long-time employees as replaceable due to higher salaries and a perceived inability to keep up with trends. This can lead to layoffs or early retirements. To stay relevant, these workers must continue learning and adapting to new technologies and industry shifts. Veterans should redefine their roles by mentoring and embracing change. Their value isn't just in past achievements, but in collaborating and inspiring growth in an evolving business landscape. https://lnkd.in/gEwN67-y

Solid interview and numerous words of wisdom. Great job Jocelyn Caldwell!

Elliott Hill, who became CEO of Nike in October, has instituted notable changes to the company’s leadership team and organisational structure, introducing key appointments and promotions. Tom Peddie has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager of North America after being rehired from retirement as the Vice President of marketplace partners. Ann Miller has advanced from Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer to EVP of Global Sports Marketing. Rob Leinwand has been appointed EVP and Chief Legal Officer, transitioning from his previous role as VP and Deputy General Counsel. Kizmet Mills has been appointed as the new Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer, marking her as the fifth person to occupy this role since 2020. Additionally, Nike announced the promotion of Treasure Bailey Heinle, the current Chief Talent Officer, to EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Read full article: https://lnkd.in/gzWjRgU7 #Nike #Footwear #Sport #appointments #moves #hiring #executivemoves #business #promotions #ElliotHill

What on earth has happened to Marks & Spencer? M&S seems to hold a unique place in our wardrobes and our memories. 👍 Hands up if your Mum spent hours in there on a Saturday 👍 Hands up if you and your sibling used to hide between the clothes 👍 Hands up if your Mum would tell you off if you dared to moan. I don’t think it’s because I’m a stylist - it’s probably more because I’m 40… But I cannot tell you how many conversations I am now having about M&S atm. Whether it’s their recent updates/collaborations with celebrities, their well renowned reliable pieces, or how they’ve been trying to cater to everyone... The M&S rebrand is doing absoloute BITS... I see this rebrand as a metaphor for our own style journeys. Sometimes we’re trying to reinvent ourselves. Other times, we’re figuring out how to balance the classics we trust with the new directions we want to take. It’s fascinating to see how a brand can reflect the way we approach our own wardrobes. What are your thoughts on M&S lately? Hit or miss?

If I had to describe Taco Bell as a person, the word Phenom could not be more fitting. The definition reads: a person who is outstandingly talented or admired, especially an up-and-comer. I recently had the pleasure of reading Phil Knight’s memoir, “Shoe Dog”. After reading his incredible story, I couldn't help but notice the striking parallels between being the best athlete in your field and being the most iconic brand in your industry. “Champions are made in the 4th quarter”, a motivational phrase I say to my franchise partners as we enter this final season of 2024. Starting with the name “Blue Ribbon”, signifying first place, Phil Knight and his team eventually determined “Nike” inspired by the Greek goddess of victory would be the name of his company. With a current market cap of approximately $119 billion, Nike takes first place as the most valuable athletic brand in the world. Sean Tresvant, former CMO of Nike, embodies the winner’s spirit. During one of his speeches as Taco Bell's new CEO, he said, “Nike speaks to the Phenom”. Now as the leader of our company, Sean speaks directly to the Phenom (our employees, customers, and franchise partners) that makes the magic sauce of our iconic brand. While we may not be number one yet, with the spirt of Nike, we are going straight to the top! #Iconic #Brands #TacoBell #Nike

It's football season!🏈 Time for premium brands to kick-off their Super Bowl strategies and develop off-beat commercials that will target a captive audience of 120 million viewers. That is, for those who can afford to fork out $7 million bucks for a 30-second spot.   Here's one from a few years back that really grabbed my attention: An opening snippet of black-and-white ‘60s footage filmed from behind that iconic head of disheveled hair. And then the unmistakable quirky voice of a generation posing a question for us to ponder:   "Is there anything more American than America?"   A chill tingles down my spine as recognition sets in: it’s really him; Dylan has come to perform on behalf of corporate America on its biggest stage. But for whom and why? What’s in it for Bob’s unbreakable brand?   He delivers a thoughtful narrative against a visual background of apple-pie Americana – cars, baseball, amusement parks, pool halls – and of course, the open road; the endless highway of possibilities that is the American Dream. Dylan makes an earnest case for a worthy cause: the dying American automotive industry. It’s a well-written script that celebrates the Detroit automotive industry and pleads for the preservation of its workers.      "Because you can’t import original. You can’t fake true cool. You can’t duplicate legacy."   The punchline?    "So let Germany brew your beer, let Switzerland make your watch, let Asia assemble your phone. We will build your car."   And then it happens. Just when you think Bob has scored a public service touchdown for the Detroit motor industry as a whole, he drives us into the end zone…in a Chrysler. That’s right. All of this Made with American Pride schmaltz was leading to an inevitable plug for the new Chrysler 200. One small car claiming the legacy of one great American tradition whose future is in peril.   And that’s certainly legitimate as far as #Chrysler is concerned. They want their brand to be emblazoned in our minds and hearts as representing everything that is good about Detroit, and by extension, the American Dream.   But what’s in it for Dylan? I mean, for Chrysler’s sake Bob, did you (did we) really need this? It’s a message that even our most sacred icons will sell out for the right price. So if that’s the case – if there is no genuine alignment with traditions or values – why should I care about buying a Chrysler, a #Ford or a #Chevy? The new #Toyota will do just fine, loyalty be damned.   One final thought: Dylan most certainly had final say over which of his tunes would serve as the soundtrack to the commercial. Throughout, we only hear an instrumental backdrop. As the commercial fades to black, we hear Dylan lament, as if to apologize: “Things have changed” – the title and punchline of a song he wrote for the film "Wonder Boys":   "People are crazy/times are strange I’m locked in tight/I’m out of range I used to care/but things have changed"   Once again, Dylan gets the last word in.

"I experience a warm glow when I hear about Marks & Spencer doing well. It’s like hearing that my favourite auntie won a prize for something. It is so pluckily undefeated, permanently cheerful and optimistic, even when we are mean and call Per Una hideous and embarrassing. You want jeans? It’ll give you jeans. You like the underwear? Here, have six more knickers lines in technical fabrics that won’t show or shrink or crawl up your bum. You want calorie-counted, plant-based ready meals? They’re over there. Yesterday’s performance results from M&S showed that its can-do, no-offence-taken attitude has resulted in soaring success in most departments, with a record-breaking 38.2% market share in bras, and knickers sales up by 3%. Laugh if you want but this is a big deal" | ✍️ Esther Walker Here's why M&S is booming again ⬇️

Y’all. You know how much joy I get from recognizing the hard work of others. 🤗 Yesterday I had the privilege of recognizing MA Specialist Tyler from Store 3104. When we spoke about LPP and how much it benefits our customers, he stated: “I wouldn’t buy an appliance without it”. 🥹 That simple phrase makes a world of difference to our customers. Every consumer wants to know that you trust your product enough to not only recommend it, but use it as well! Tyler thank you for connecting transparently with your customers and ensuring they have the peace of mind they deserve when purchasing appliances. There hasn’t been a goal you haven’t exceeded. You are a great representation of Lowe’s and a true winner all around. 🏆 …and you know what winners get? Sprinkles (well, in this case cookies and an LPP Recognition Bag). 🙃🍪✨ Tyler, keep up the outstanding work! Onward and Upward! 📈 #lowes #loweslife #lpp #region5 #levelup #partnership #progress #passion #success #successmindset #service #servantleadership #HungrytoWIN #HungrytoWIN2024 #support #learning #development #coaching #growing #teaching #movetheneedle #recognition #recognitionmatters #dreamteam #onwardandupward Chad Alberda Jesse Krug Andrew Bradt Jennifer Clark Brian Deal Danny Gates Chris Grimley Jessica Chalk

It was exciting to hear the news earlier this week about Nordstrom going private in a $6.25 billion deal between the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool. Reflecting on my time at Nordstrom, I appreciated the company's unwavering commitment to placing the customer at the center of everything they do. However, operating as a public company sometimes means decisions are driven by the need to meet quarterly and annual guidance numbers, which can constrain long-term strategies. After Nordstrom, I’ve had the privilege of joining Elte, a privately owned family business with a history nearly as long as Nordstrom's. It has been refreshing to embrace a long-term vision without the pressures of satisfying short-term investor expectations. This environment fosters innovation and a deeper focus on long-term growth. I’m excited to see what Nordstrom will achieve now that it can focus on long-term goals without the scrutiny that comes with being a public company. I’ll certainly be cheering them on from the sidelines. #Nordstrom #RetailNews #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #CustomerExperience #Innovation #LongTermVision #BusinessStrategy #FutureOfRetail https://lnkd.in/gd8dAcVn