Apple CEO Tim Cook is moving up in the world of Nike, where he’s been serving as a member of the board of directors.
Nike revealed that starting today, Cook will be the lead independent board member at the athletic apparel company, which is undergoing some big leadership changes.
Cook’s promotion on the board comes as part of Nike chairman and co-founder Phil Knight’s succession plan. The Apple CEO currently is the chair of the board’s Compensation Committee and is a member of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee.
Knight has been named the board’s “Chairman Emeritus” while current Nike President and CEO Mark Parker will also serve as chairman.
“I could not be more pleased with the Board’s thoughtful execution of the succession plan, and am thrilled that an outstanding leader like Mark will head the Board,” Knight said in a statement. “I intend to continue to work to promote the company’s business in my new role for as long as I can contribute to Nike’s success and long-term growth.”
Nike and Apple have enjoyed a close relationship since the early days of the iPod, when the two partnered on bringing Nike+ to Apple’s portable devices. Cook has served on the company’s board since 2005.
