On Thursday, Nike shares rose sharply after it was announced that Hill will replace current CEO John Donahoe, who is stepping down next month. Hill is a familiar face, having spent virtually his entire career at the sporting goods retailer.

Aside from executive or consulting positions, Hill’s only role in the 1980s was as an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, his career has followed the traditional cliché of climbing the corporate ladder.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Hill began his successful career at Nike in 1988 as an intern for an apparel sales representative. After spending two years in that entry-level position, Hill continued his career in sales, moving from a position in sports graphics sales to sales representative and finally to sales manager. Nearly a decade later, Hill moved up to the position of vice president.

In fact, Hill’s LinkedIn profile looks a bit unconventional, as it consists mostly of lists of Nike positions. Having worked at one company for 32 years, his resume follows what was once a traditional career path but has lost popularity due to the tight job market.

Nike’s new CEO may have the best LinkedIn profile ever – 32 years at the same company, from intern to CEO! pic.twitter.com/jC431SCnW6

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) 20 September 2024

It used to be less unusual to stay at one company for most of your life, working your way up from the mailroom or an intern to manager or leader. But that’s changing. Employees, especially younger generations, are increasingly changing jobs to negotiate a living wage or better salary, promotions or values ​​that better align with their interests.

In other words, the career ladder is different than it used to be – and to climb it at the same pace, you sometimes have to quit. Declining loyalty is a sign that the employer is breaking the contract, because employees notice that in times of recession, companies make layoffs, stop paying pensions like they did decades ago, or simply let careers stagnate.

To be fair, some companies invest enough in their employees to hire experienced people like Hill, but that’s becoming increasingly rare.

Nike highlighted Hill’s insider status as a key part of its turnaround after the company ran into trouble and reported poor sales. Nike CEO Mark Parker called Hill’s return part of a “thoughtful succession process” and said in a statement that he had worked with Hill for “more than 30 years.”

Hill himself wrote in a statement that Nike has “always been an integral part of my personality.”

“I can’t wait to reconnect with the many employees and trusted partners I’ve worked with over the years, and I’m equally excited to build new, meaningful relationships that will take us further,” he added, noting that he worked for the company for 32 years and “helped make our company the magical place it is today.”