Nike names new general manager of women’s

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Mar 8, 2023

Nike announced on Wednesday several senior leadership changes including a new vice president and general manager of women’s.

As of March 13, Amy Montagne, currently vice president and general manager of Asia-Pacific, Latin America will transition to lead the women’s business as VP/GM women’s. She will replace Whitney Malkiel, who has decided to leave the company.

Montagne is an 18-year Nike veteran. Prior to leading the Asia-Pacific Latin America geography, she was VP of global men’s, VP/GM, global categories, as well as VP/GM, global women’s and VP/GM, global merchandising. She has also held positions of increasing responsibility in North America, running, women’s training and sportswear.

Likewise, Cathy Sparks, currently VP, Nike direct, EMEA, will transition to lead the APLA geography as vice president and general manager of Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Similarly, Sparks has a 25-year track record with Nike, starting at NikeTown Portland as a store athlete. Most recently, as VP, Nike Direct, EMEA, she led the execution of CDA with the growth of digital and direct within an integrated Nike Sport Marketplace. Prior to that, she held the roles of VP/GM global Nike direct stores, VP Nike direct retail concepts, VP NA Nike stores, GM emerging markets DTC and GM Korea DTC.

The changes are part of the sportswear company’s 'Consumer Direct Acceleration' (CDA) plan, first announced in 2020, as a strategy to unlock long-term growth and profitability. 

“These changes will further build on our strengths and underscore our commitment to accelerate our women’s business, invest in our geographies, and further grow our top talent. We remain committed to transforming Nike faster to define the marketplace of the future and unlock the next phase of growth through CDA,” said Heidi O’Neill, president of consumer and marketplace.