Nike CEO apologizes for a ‘boys club’ atmosphere

Nike CEO Mark Parker apologized to employees on Thursday in a rare all-staff meeting for failing to take workplace complaints seriously, a matter that ultimately led to several top executive departures over inappropriate behavior, The Wall Journal has reported.

The apology follows several weeks of turmoil for the sneaker giant after multiple reports surfaced of senior executives accused of inappropriate behavior that excluded certain staff members, creating a “boys club” atmosphere.

According to the Journal, Parker held a non-mandatory staff meeting at the Tiger Woods Conference Center in Beaverton, Oregon, where he told staffers that he regretted not taking action right away.

Back in March, the Journal first broke the news that Nike was investigating several allegations of “inappropriate behavior” after a group of women at the company had circulated a survey that made it all the way to Parker’s desk. Additionally, last month, more reports surfaced that several employee complaints fell by the wayside in the company’s human resources department.

Parker, who has in recent days promoted two women to senior leadership roles, reiterated to staffers in an email Thursday that he wants “everyone to know that I’m personally committed to making Nike a place where everyone can thrive in an environment of respect, empathy, and equal opportunity for all.”

Shares of Nike have traded flat over the last 90 days amid the management turmoil.

A spokesperson for the company did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.