Nigel Powell | Influence 100
Nigel-Powell

Nigel Powell

EVP, Chief Communications Officer
Nike
US

 

During his 19-year run at Nike, Powell has surely seen every conceivable PR issue, at a company that has faced numerous stakeholder challenges. Through it all, the Briton has demonstrated a deft media touch, overseeing such areas as global brand management, youth marketing, influencer communications, corporate reputation and crisis management.

Powell oversees a team of 250 professionals at Nike, after ascending into the top comms role in 2005, and guides corporate, consumer and employee communications activities for Nike Inc., including the Nike brand, Converse, the Jordan Brand and Hurley. Nike’s Global Community Impact teams also report to Powell. Before joining the company, Powell worked in both agency and in-house roles in London and Brussels.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance
We see it every day, with every product launch and every consumer interaction.

What do you love about this industry?
People, relationships, influence, strategy.

What most frustrates you about this industry?
Pseudo-intellectualism.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities?
Talent.

How do you relax or change pace when you're not at work?
Spending time with my family.

Can you share a book/movie/TV show/podcast that teaches a valuable lesson about PR?
“Thank You for Smoking”.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
A theatre director.