John Hoke, Nike's chief innovation officer (CIO), is retiring after more than 30 years at the sportswear giant.

Hoke joined Nike in 1992 as global creative director before being appointed vice president in 2010. He was then promoted to chief design officer in 2017, leading a global team dedicated to providing innovation and sustainable solutions.

He began his career in 1989 as an architect and designer at the US firm Michael Graves Architecture and Design.

The CIO will remain at the firm until October, with his successor to be named “soon,” according to an internal memo seen by Bloomberg.

The news comes as Nike attempts a turnaround of the business under chief executive Elliott Hill, who has changed the company's leadership as it faces several challenges, including falling consumer interest and spending and financial pressures triggered by international tariffs.

Earlier this month Hill, who took the helm in October to lead the turnaround, made a number of changes to the company’s leadership team, including the promotion of former vice president footwear Phil McCartney to chief innovation, design and product officer.

In the memo, Hill told employees that Hoke had a significant effect on Nike's growth during his tenure and that his design influence will be visible at Nike for years to come.

The memo also stated that Mark Parker, Nike's executive chairman and former chief executive, worked closely with Hoke over the years to develop new prototypes and products.

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