Last week, Nike (Portland, Ore.) Brand President Trevor Edwards, who was speculated to be the retailer’s possible replacement for CEO Mark Parker, has resigned from the company after 25 years, apparently due to reports of behavior that does not reflect the company’s “core values of inclusivity, respect and empowerment,” according to an internal memo by Parker, reported by Fast Company.
In the memo, Parker alludes to the company’s “transition stage” of advancing its culture: “We are going to be doing a comprehensive review of our HR systems and practices along with elevating our complaint process for matter[s] of respect issues.” He also went on to speak about the brand’s focus on increasing and investing in its diversity and inclusion teams, and said that he plans to serve as Chair, President and CEO of Nike beyond 2020.
The memo did not explicitly cite any inappropriate behavior by Edwards, however the structure of the memo suggests that his early departure is for those reasons. Edwards will serve as an advisor to the company until his August retirement.