BEAVERTON, Oregon — Global sports apparel giant NIKE, Inc. has named seasoned financial leader David M. Denton as its next Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 17, 2026.
Denton succeeds outgoing CFO Matthew Friend, who will step down from the role on August 17 but remain with the company until September 4 to ensure a seamless transition. Friend is still scheduled to steer Nike’s upcoming fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call on June 30.
Driving Financial Strategy and the “Sport Offense” Model
In his new role at Nike, Denton will head the company’s global finance organization. He is tasked with working directly alongside President and CEO Elliott Hill and the Senior Leadership Team to enforce strict operational discipline, manage capital allocation, and unlock long-term shareholder value.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment for the sportswear brand as it attempts to shift its corporate trajectory.
“This is a natural moment for a leadership transition as we move from foundational actions to sustained growth through our Sport Offense operating model,” stated CEO Elliott Hill. “Dave is a proven public-company CFO who knows how to help great consumer brands operate with discipline and invest to win.”
A Track Record of Corporate Transformations
Denton brings more than 30 years of top-tier corporate finance and operating leadership experience across complex, global public companies. His extensive professional history includes:
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Pfizer, Inc. (2022–2026): Served as Executive Vice President and CFO, managing the pharmaceutical giant’s post-pandemic fiscal restructuring.
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Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (2018–2022): Acted as EVP and CFO, where he oversaw finance, enterprise strategy, and major retail transformation priorities.
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CVS Health Corporation: Spent two decades in escalating leadership positions, culminating in his role as CFO, where he helped pilot CVS’s evolution into a diversified healthcare solutions giant.
Additionally, Denton possesses deep corporate governance experience. He has previously served on the boards of Haleon and Tapestry, and is slated to join the Board of Directors of Honeywell Aerospace following its planned corporate spin-off.
“Nike is one of the world’s great brands, with extraordinary strengths in sport, innovation, and global scale,” Denton said regarding his appointment. “I’m excited to partner with Elliott and the leadership team to support the company’s priorities, invest with discipline, and help deliver sustainable long-term value.”
