Nike appoints Aaron Cain, a veteran with 21 years of service, as CEO of Converse.
Aaron Cain has been appointed as the new CEO and president of Converse, a subsidiary of Nike, following the departure of Jared Carver after two years in the role. Cain, a 21-year Nike veteran, has held various senior leadership positions within the company, most recently serving as Vice President and General Manager of Nike Global Men's business since 2021.
Converse, known for its iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars, has faced significant challenges in recent times. The brand's fiscal year 2024 revenue declined by 19%, dropping from over $2 billion to $1.692 billion, and its pre-tax profit fell 49% to $240 million. In the fourth quarter ending May 31, 2025, Converse experienced a 26% drop in revenue.
The appointment of Cain is part of a broader strategic realignment at Nike led by CEO Elliott Hill, who is implementing a "sport offense" growth strategy aimed at repositioning Nike and its subsidiaries. The goal is to focus employees on designing for the athlete they serve.
Cain's leadership is expected to leverage his deep strategic and international experience to turn around Converse's underperformance while aligning the brand more closely with Nike's growth initiatives. Carver will work with Cain through the end of July to ensure a smooth transition.
Analyst Tom Nikic stated that the pullback in Nike's classic shoe styles "was likely as bad as it will get" in Q4. Nike is facing multiple challenges, including winning back shunned wholesale partners and rightsizing franchises like Dunk, Air Jordan, and Air Force 1.
Carver's tenure at Converse was marked by a team-first mentality and deep knowledge of the brand, which contributed to his successful leadership. His departure, according to Elliott Hill, was a joint decision, with Hill stating that "the time is right for the next chapter of the brand’s evolution."
In his new role, Cain brings a wealth of experience and a strategic mindset to Converse as the brand seeks to revitalize its growth and profitability within the context of Nike's broader organizational overhaul and strategy.
- Aaron Cain, with his extensive experience in business and sports, will utilize his strategic mindset to lead Converse as they aim to recover from recent financial setbacks and align more closely with Nike's growth strategy.
- Converse, renowned for its sports-related products like the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, is hoping to revitalize its growth and profitability under the new leadership of CEO and president, Aaron Cain.
- The departure of Jared Carver, who led Converse for two years, marked the start of a new chapter for the brand, as Elliott Hill, Nike's CEO, implements a "sport offense" strategy to reposition Nike and its subsidiaries.
- In the rapidly changing sports industry, Nike and its subsidiaries, including Converse, are facing numerous challenges, such as winning back shunned wholesale partners and revitalizing iconic shoe styles like Dunk, Air Jordan, and Air Force 1.
