BENEDICT ALUMNUS CRAIG WILLIAMS CONTINUES TO RISE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE AT NIKE, INC.
BY KYMM HUNTER
Nike’s supply chain and logistics. From January 2019 until May 2023, he served as President of the Michael Jordan Brand at NIKE, Inc., where he led a cross- functional team focused on the All-Star’s vision, strategy and the multi-billion-dollar revenue growth. Before joining NIKE, Inc., Williams was the Senior Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company and President of The Global McDonald’s Division (TMD) from January 2016 to January 2019, responsible for brand and category growth. While at The Coca-Cola Company, Williams held various executive roles including Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Assistant Vice President of U.S. Marketing, and Group Director of U.S. Marketing. Prior to joining The Coca-Cola Co. in June 2005, Williams was the Global Marketing Director at CIBA Vision Corporation, a contact lenses and lens care product manufacturer, and brand management executive at Kraft
Foods Inc. He also served as a Naval Nuclear Power Officer in the U.S. Navy. Williams graduated from Benedict College in 1990 with a degree in physics. He was the keynote speaker at Benedict’s first and only “graduate-only” commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. “From freshman year to Zoom College, you made it!” said Williams to the socially distant graduates. “At Benedict College, I learned to be comfortable in my skin.” He encouraged the graduates to dream so big that it scared them. Williams reminded the students that they are the heirs of an awesome legacy. “You have a responsibility to speak up when you see something that is not right. Speak up and stand tall.” Williams was conferred the Doctor of Business degree (D.B.) and hooded by his wife, Gloria Williams, also a Benedict alumna. The couple met on the campus of Benedict College.
C raig Williams is a distinguished Benedict alumnus and seasoned business executive known for his team building skills. Williams is a strategic thinker with extensive experience in general management, marketing, product development and cross-functional team leadership.
He has been celebrated for being the driving force behind NIKE, Inc.’s global strategy and operations where he serves as President of Nike Global Geographies and Marketplace since 2023, where he leads Nike’s four geographies and retail outlet across its direct and wholesale business in addition to leading
1 5 | HBCU TIMES WINTER ISSUE 2025
Powered by FlippingBook