Elliot Hill’s Journey is a story that makes you believe in the power of dreams. He started as an intern at Nike in 1988 and is now the company’s president and CEO in 2025. It’s been a passion for 36 years and staying true to your vision will bring you to incredible heights.
Hills were more than just climbing corporate ladders. He rewrites the rules. Along the way, he was brave to push for a living example of Nike’s core values: innovation, determination and limitations. His story is simply not inspiring. If you are willing to work and stay focused, your dreams will never be too big.
But this isn’t just a personal victory, it’s about celebrating what happens when you commit to your goal. So let’s explore Hill’s career journey.
Interns to remember
Elliot Hill’s path to Nike’s top job began with solid education. He is a business degree from Texas Christian University and an MBA from Ohio University. He had just graduated from school in 1988 and won an internship at Nike and worked in apparel sales.
This internship was a game changer. It gave him first-hand experience in company work, especially sales and customer connections. Just a year later, in 1989, Hill moved to selling sports graphics, and by 1991 he was managing the major sports organizations in the team sales division.
This role was important as it allowed him to develop strong relationships with key players in the sporting world. He learned inside and outside the competitive sportswear market and how to manage partnerships to increase Nike’s influence. His talent for this kind of work helped him quickly climb the ladder.
Climbing the leadership ladder
By 1996, Hill had moved to sales management, and two years later he was appointed Director of Team Sports. This position allowed him to demonstrate his leadership capabilities while driving Nike’s strategic growth in the sports apparel market.
Over the years, Hill took on more responsibility and ultimately secured global experience. As Vice President of EMEA Sales and Retail, he led Nike’s expansion across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, gaining invaluable international market insights.
In 2018, Hill reached a major milestone in his career when he became the president of consumers and markets. He oversaw both the commercial and marketing operations of Nike and the Jordan Brand.
Under his leadership, Nike’s revenues skyrocketed, exceeding $39 billion. The company’s ability to bring the large global footprint to new heights has solidified its position as one of the company’s key executives.
Comeback as CEO
After a successful run at Nike, Elliot Hill retired in 2020. But his story doesn’t end there! He made his comeback in 2024 and stepped into the role of president and CEO. Nike is currently navigating several tricky bodies of water, including sales and tough competition, so his return is perfectly timed.
Former CEO John Donahoe recognizes Hill’s vast experience and leadership skills and confidently states that Hill is the ideal person to lead Nike to the next chapter.
From product manufacturing to understanding the global market, his deep understanding of Nike’s business makes him perfectly suited to the CEO role. And finally, his ability to build strong relationships with important people in the industry, like athletes like Michael Jordan, was essential to his rise.
Take home
Elliot Hill’s journey to CEO is a powerful symbol of Nike’s evolution. From interns to leaders, his career reflects the company’s commitment to developing talent and embracing innovation. His journey inspires aspiring professionals that success is built through years of perseverance, leadership and the ability to adapt to ever-changing market demands. As Hill prepares to lead Nike to the next era, the future looks bright for the iconic brand he has shaped.
