Full Breakdown
Nike Announces 1,400 Global Operations Layoffs as Part of “Win Now” Turnaround
4/26/2026, 4:08:17 AM
Layoff Announcement
Nike, Inc. disclosed on Thursday that it will eliminate roughly 1,400 positions—just under 2 % of its worldwide staff. The cuts focus on the Global Operations division, with most roles in the technology function.
Turnaround Context
Cuts are the latest step in Nike’s “Win Now” turnaround, launched after CEO Elliott Hill assumed leadership in October 2024. It targets culture, product, marketing, marketplace and presence, demanding a leaner, faster operating model.
Leadership and Stakeholders
The memo was authored by Chief Operating Officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Executive Vice President of Global Operations. CEO Elliott Hill has said the restructuring is progressing slower than expected. Morningstar analyst David Swartz has publicly questioned Nike’s staffing levels.
Recent Workforce Reductions Timeline
- February 2024 – ~1,600 jobs cut.
- January 2026 – 775 distribution-center roles eliminated.
- March 2026 – 1,400 Global Operations cuts announced.
Scope and Numbers
The layoffs affect staff in North America, Asia and Europe; technology accounts for the cuts. Nike projects a 2 %–4 % revenue decline this quarter, with China sales down about 20 %. The stock has lost over half its value in three years, and net income fell 34 %.
Strategic Rationale
Nike will consolidate technology at the Philip H. Knight Campus in Beaverton, Oregon, and the Nike India Technology Center, aiming to cut complexity, accelerate automation and tighten supply-chain integration. The moves address competition from On, Hoka and Anta and a prolonged sales slowdown.
Official Statements & Employee Notification
Alagirisamy said the cuts continue the “Win Now” agenda, making Nike “less complex and more responsive” and building “a stronger end-to-end foundation for future growth.” He added Global Operations will deliver “more speed, simplicity and precision.” HR notified affected employees on Thursday and pledged transition support. Hill told analysts the turnaround is taking “longer than I would like,” yet reaffirmed commitment to plan.
Criticism & Opposition
Analyst David Swartz argued Nike may be over-staffed and that prior management “tried to solve problems by adding people, especially in technology,” noting the firm “should be further along in its recovery by now.” Critics doubt the cuts will reverse market-share losses.
Conflicting Figures & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact workforce share: some describe the cuts as “just under 2 %,” others “approximately 2 %.” The anticipated cost-savings from the reductions have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These changes are meant to make the company less complex and more responsive.” — Venkatesh Alagirisamy, COO
- “As we look ahead, that means simplifying parts of how we operate, using more advanced automation where it helps us work better, and building an even stronger end-to-end foundation for future growth.” — Venkatesh Alagirisamy, COO
- “It is the next phase of the work already underway.” — Venkatesh Alagirisamy, COO
- “Part of doing the right thing is being direct.” — Venkatesh Alagirisamy, COO
Outlook
Alagirisamy said operational changes will continue beyond the current “Win Now” phase. Nike will watch the upcoming quarter’s sales, expecting a 2 %–4 % dip, while further cost-efficiency measures remain under review.
