A Liverpool trainer fanatic has lit up the internet after his failed bid to apply for the CEO role at US sportswear giant Nike ended with him being offered a six-month internship in the brand strategy and marketing team at the firm’s Oregon HQ.
Sam Byrne, the co-owner of Liverpool’s Block P, “the world’s only independent Nike Air Max 95 reselling store,” originally made his dealings with Nike public last month, revealing his bold plan to revitalise the company under his leadership on LinkedIn. It should perhaps be noted there are no known plans to replace current CEO Elliot Hill, who was only appointed last October, and who from Nike’s response we can surmise was preferred to Byrne on this occassion.
Although Nike top brass were apparently initially unconvinced by Byrne’s overtures, they kept things good-humoured in their response:
“While we admire your ambition, there were several elements of your submission that raised concerns with our executive team,” the trainer behemoth noted in a tongue-in-cheek reply to Byrne’s application.
“Your cover letter included the phrase: “Give me a week and I’ll triple sales by the removal of all white midsoles from the organisation”. This was seen as… unconventional.”
“Additionally, your proposal to “make 110s £110 again” and your request to only ever make OG colorways” were flagged as high risk by HR.”
Byrne’s suggestion of greatest local relevance was sadly also knocked back by Nike’s global leadership team:
“Your proposal to merge the organisation with Block P, and move our headquarters to 36 Renshaw Street in Liverpool were not seen as feasible at that time,” Nike bosses regretfully advised Byrne.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and a viral hit for Byrne’s initial application, and Nike has partially backtracked on its rejection of Byrne’s application, although the firm has offered him a brand and marketing internship rather than the coveted CEO slot:
“Following the unexpected global attention your previous application received, we have re-evaluated our decision,” Byrne’s favourite trainer maker told him in a new letter posted today, this time from the company’s Global Brand Talent Acquisition team.
“While we remain committed to our current CEO, your creativity, cultural insight, and passion for community have impressed us.
“We’d like to offer you a six-month internship within our brand strategy and marketing team, based at our world headquarters in Oregon.”
During his time in Oregon, Nike hopes that Byrne will:
- Share your expertise in Liverpool’s 110 culture
- Consult on heritage strategy and street-level storytelling
- Explore opportunities for Nike to collaborate with Block P and integrate it into our global ecosystem
Nike added that Byrne’s flights are already booked and his desk awaits, adding that the internship is a trial period that could be extended to a more permanent leadership role “should you prove as unstoppable in Oregon as you are in Liverpool.”
It was Kevin Keegan, the former Liverpool star and later manager of Newcastle and Manchester City, who told Manchester Chamber’s 2013 Business Conference: “If you aim for the moon and hit the stars, well it’s a near miss.”
It very much seems that Byrne may have just hit the stars, although he’s still not letting those white midsoles go: “Next stop Oregon! I still think an internship at the sole supplier would be a better opportunity,” he said.
Prolific North has contacted Nike for comment.
Images: LinkedIn/Nike AirMax 95 110s – Nike.com
