Senior Principal, Gaming Strategy And Business Development

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

At Nike, innovation is deep rooted in our DNA. We’re driven by curiosity, creativity, and the belief that diverse perspectives fuel bold ideas. Our teams thrive on collaboration and are united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact.

The Gaming Partnerships team is focused on breaking new ground for Nike’s future. We seek to authentically embed Nike into gaming culture to elevate our global portfolio and deepen youth engagement. At the same time, unlocking a sustainable licensing play through scalable digital IP and strategic partnerships.

In this role, you’ll be collaborating externally with Gaming companies and internally with senior leaders and cross-functional teams in Marketing, Product, Brand, Legal, and Finance, to ensure strategic alignment and successful execution.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike is looking for a seasoned leader in the gaming industry who can drive our partnerships and licensing strategy forward. This role will help shape Nike’s global gaming portfolio by developing and executing high-impact collaborations with top publishers, platforms, and hardware partners. The ideal candidate brings a mix of strategic thinking, industry insight, and a passion for creating innovative brand experiences in the gaming space.

This is a director-level opportunity titled Senior Principal to reflect its scope and impact. While the role does not include direct people management, it requires leadership across cross-functional teams and strategic influence at the enterprise level.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

• Drive key areas of Nike’s gaming partnership strategy, negotiating and executing licensing and revenue-sharing agreements with external publishers and platforms.

• Own dedicated Gaming partner portfolio, with end-to-end process of integrating Nike IP (product, athletes, and experiences) into gaming environments, ensuring authentic brand representation and cultural relevance.

• Identify and convert new partnership opportunities across the gaming ecosystem, from AAA publishers to mobile and emerging platforms, with a sharp focus on Gen Z engagement.

• Serve as the primary relationship owner for key gaming partners, leading regular business reviews, joint planning, and long-term growth strategies.

• Oversee revenue tracking, royalty management, and reporting in collaboration with Finance and Controlling teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Applied Science, or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.

• 10+ years in the gaming industry with deep expertise in partnerships, licensing, or brand integrations.

• Proven track record of negotiating and managing high-value partnerships in gaming or entertainment.

• Strong understanding of youth culture, sport, sneakers, and streetwear—and how they intersect with gaming.

• Advanced cross-functional leadership and project management skills; ability to influence across global teams.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, innovative, and risk-tolerant approach.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.