Nike Taps Pfizer CFO with $7.25M Sign-On, $11.5M Incentives
NKE•Nike has appointed Pfizer CFO David Denton as its new chief financial officer effective August 17, with Matthew Friend remaining as advisor until September 4. Denton’s pay package includes a $1.45 million base salary, 120% bonus target, $11.5 million in annual incentives and a $7.25 million sign-on award.
1. CFO Transition Timeline
On August 17, David Denton will assume the chief financial officer role at Nike as Matthew Friend steps down, transitioning to an advisory position through September 4 while still participating in the fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call on June 30.
2. Denton's Background and Compensation
Denton joins from Pfizer, where he served as CFO and executive vice president since May 2022, after holding top finance roles at Lowe’s and CVS Health; his Nike package comprises a $1.45 million base salary, a 120% bonus target, $11.5 million in long-term incentive awards and a $7.25 million sign-on award.
3. Implications for Turnaround
This appointment is part of an executive reshuffle designed to reverse Nike’s prolonged sales slump, as the company projects a 2%–4% revenue contraction this quarter, a 20% decline in China and an unplanned boost from tariff refunds.
