Nike veteran named Lululemon CEO
Canada-based athleisure brand Lululemon Athletica has named Nike’s president of consumer, product and brand, Heidi O’Neill, as CEO, starting in September.
At Nike, she played a central role in overseeing the company’s product pipeline, brand voice and operations, as well as in shaping its connection with consumers and athletes worldwide. Earlier in her career, she worked in marketing for the Dockers brand at Levi Strauss & Co.
She brings additional strategy and leadership perspectives from her service on the boards of directors of Spotify Technology, Hyatt Hotels and Lithia & Driveway.
Marti Morfitt, executive chair of Lululemon’s board of directors, said: “The board conducted an extensive search to identify the right next leader to propel Lululemon forward. We selected Heidi because of the breadth of her experience, her demonstrated success delivering breakthrough ideas and initiatives at scale, and her ability to be a knowledgeable change and growth agent.”
The brand’s founder and former CEO Chip Wilson openly criticised the board for many years, including during the search process, and the board responded with its own public statement.
