Nike names Michael Hunter as head of Japan operations

US sportswear giant Nike has appointed Michael Hunter as vice president and general manager of Nike Japan, effective September 2026. Hunter announced the appointment in a LinkedIn post.

Hunter brings more than 19 years of experience within the company to the role. Prior to this appointment, he served as general manager of Nike Canada for four years, starting in August 2022. During his tenure in Toronto, he oversaw full profit and loss responsibility, digital and supply chain integration, and led a team of more than 130 full-time employees at the Canadian headquarters, alongside over 1,400 retail and distribution staff.

This movement marks a return to the Japanese market for Hunter. Between September 2017 and August 2022, he held the position of senior director, marketplace partners at Nike Japan. In that role, he led strategic investments and direct-to-consumer (DTC) expansion efforts while overseeing commercial plans for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Earlier in his career at Nike, Hunter held senior leadership positions across multiple international markets. He served as senior sales director for Nike Russia from October 2015 to August 2017, sales director for Nike Greece from September 2012 to September 2015, and Middle East sales manager based in Dubai from March 2011 to August 2012.

Hunter joined Nike in September 2007 through its management development program in Hilversum, the Netherlands. Prior to joining the sportswear company, he worked as global project director and journalist for Spain-based VEGA media from April 2001 to June 2005.