Former Pfizer executive David Denton steps into the CFO role amid a bruising stock decline.
Nike Inc. said Tuesday it has hired David Denton as its next chief financial officer, tapping the former Pfizer Inc. finance chief to help stabilize a company navigating one of the most difficult stretches in its history.
Denton will join the Beaverton, Oregon-based sportswear giant as Executive Vice President and CFO effective Aug. 17. Matthew Friend, who has held the role since April 2020, will step down on that date and remain in the role through Sept. 4.
Nike Dogged by Rivals, Slumping Share Price
The announcement did little to reassure investors. Nike shares fell 4.5% to close at $42.38 Tuesday, leaving the stock down 33% year to date. The company has been grappling with slowing sales and eroding market share to nimbler rivals such as On Running and Hoka.
CEO Elliott Hill, who took the helm in late 2024, has been working to arrest the slide, but a full recovery has proven elusive.
Whether Denton’s expertise can generate a turnaround remains to be seen. He previously served as CFO and Executive Vice President at Pfizer since May 2022. Before that, he held the same title at Lowe’s Cos. from 2018 to 2022. He also spent two decades at CVS Health Corp., including as CFO during the company’s evolution into a diversified health. In all, he brings more than 30 years of finance and operating leadership across large, complex public companies.
Denton, in a prepared statement, called Nike “one of the world’s great brands.”
“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,” he said.
Hill framed the transition as a strategic inflection point. “This is a natural moment for a leadership transition as we move from foundational actions to sustained growth through our Sport Offense operating model,” he said.
Friend joined Nike in 2009 and rose through roles including CFO of the Nike Brand and VP of Investor Relations before assuming the top finance post. Nike expanded his responsibilities in late 2025 to include Global Sales and Direct-to-Consumer functions.
Prior to Nike, he worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
What’s Next
Nike expects to report fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2026 results on June 30. Analysts anticipate earnings of $0.12 per share on revenue of $10.85 billion, compared with 14 cents per share and $11.1 billion in the prior-year period — a stark illustration of how far the company still has to go. Results will include a one-time benefit from tariff refunds that were not previously factored into the guidance.
Contact the author: anoto@gfmag.com
