Watson, a seasoned veteran of the information technology business, joins NIKE from Barclays Bank, PLC, where he has been their London-based Managing Director and CIO for Europe and the Middle East, as well as for Global Operations since 2009. He was also the chair of Barclays' Europe, Middle East, Retail and Business Banking Operating Committee and co-chair of Barclays' Global Diversity & Inclusion Council.

Prior to Barclays, Watson was Senior Vice President and Global Head of Technology Services for Wells Fargo, where he also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Wells Fargo Bank International. He has also held senior roles at CitiGroup, Unisys Corporation, Microsoft and First-e Bancorp, Europe's first Internet bank.

"We look forward to Anthony joining our team and bringing his deep knowledge, expertise and vision to lead NIKE's overall technology strategy," said Eric Sprunk, Chief Operating Officer for NIKE, Inc. "We are confident he can deliver progressive and innovative technology solutions and help us to continue to drive sustainable, profitable growth."

Watson, 38, will report to Sprunk and his anticipated start date is in mid-April.