Nike is cutting about 1,400 jobs worldwide in a fresh round of layoffs this year, with most of the pain landing in its technology and operations teams. Notices to affected employees are set to start going out Thursday as leadership pushes a cost-cutting drive tied to its "Win Now" turnaround plan. The move follows earlier cuts this year and highlights the pressure on the sportswear giant to reset its strategy.
According to CNBC, Chief Operating Officer Venkatesh Alagirisamy told staff that "Collectively, these changes will result in a reduction of approximately 1,400 roles in global operations, with the majority in technology." He also said the reductions would amount to less than 2% of Nike's global headcount, and the outlet noted that this is the second wave of job cuts after reductions announced in January.
What Nike Said
Nike is framing the layoffs as part of its "Win Now" agenda, which focuses on reshaping technology teams, modernizing manufacturing and pulling supply-chain operations closer to its footwear and apparel business. In a March 31 earnings release, NIKE warned that "Win Now actions will continue to impact results over the balance of the calendar year" and reported sharp year-over-year pressures in its Greater China business.
Numbers Confirmed
MarketScreener carried a brief Reuters report that also put the planned cuts at roughly 1,400 roles across global operations, lining up with the internal figures shared in Nike's employee communication.
Local Impact In Beaverton
Nike's world headquarters sits just outside Beaverton, Oregon, and the company is one of the region's heavyweight employers, so any trimming of corporate or tech ranks can send a chill through the local economy. Earlier this year, local coverage documented 775 job cuts at U.S. distribution centers in January, a move that hit Tennessee and Mississippi facilities and was also reported by the Beaverton Valley Times.
What To Watch Next
Nike says the latest reductions represent under 2% of its global headcount and that notifications to affected teammates will begin Thursday, per CNBC. Investors and industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on upcoming quarterly results and any additional restructuring details as the company works to restore growth amid weakening demand in key markets.
