Rodney Carnielli

General Manager Nike Central & South America

United States

About

I am an enterprise leader, currently serving as General Manager for the Central and South America region, with full P&L responsibility for a multi-billion-dollar business across 42+ countries and territories. I specialize in leading complex, multi-market organizations and transforming businesses to unlock scalable, sustainable growth. Over the past several years, I have delivered consistent growth across both revenue and profitability while repositioning the business through marketplace transformation, organizational evolution, and disciplined execution. My experience spans the full commercial ecosystem—including direct-to-consumer retail, digital platforms, wholesale, distributors, and strategic partners. I have led large-scale transformations across marketplace strategy, distribution models, and operating structures, while strengthening brand equity and consumer engagement across diverse markets. Earlier in my career, I led Nike Brazil’s marketplace strategy for a $1B+ business, delivering four consecutive years of double-digit growth, expanding margins by 20%+, and driving execution during global events such as the World Cup and Olympic Games. I have also held global leadership roles across Running and Basketball, leading go-to-market strategies for some of Nike’s most innovative product launches. I am known for building and developing high-performing teams, aligning diverse stakeholders, and simplifying complexity into clear, executable strategies. My leadership approach is grounded in clarity, courage, and a strong bias for action. I bring a global perspective, deep expertise across the Americas, and a strong understanding of marketplace dynamics, consumer behavior, and channel strategy across retail and sporting goods. I hold a degree in International Business and am fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Core Expertise: P&L | Leadership | General Management | Marketplace Strategy | Brand positoning | Omnichannel | Retail & DTC | Digital Commerce | Strategic Partnerships | Licensing & Distribution | Business Transformation | LATAM | Consumer & Brand Strategy

Experience

  • Nike (18 yrs 2 mos)
    • General Manager Nike Central & South America
      Jun 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Lead one of Nike’s most complex and dynamic regions with full P&L responsibility for a multi-billion-dollar business across 42+ countries and territories, operating across diverse economic, cultural, and consumer environments. * Drive enterprise strategy and execution across an integrated marketplace ecosystem, including 200+ direct-to-consumer stores, digital platforms, wholesale, distributors, and strategic partners * Deliver consistent growth across revenue and profitability, strengthening both top- and bottom-line performance * Lead end-to-end business transformation, resetting marketplace strategy, distribution models, organizational structure, and operational execution * Build and scale high-performing leadership teams across multiple markets, fostering accountability, agility, and ownership * Negotiate and manage complex commercial agreements, including distributors, licensing-like structures, and sponsorship partnerships * Strengthen brand positioning and consumer engagement through an integrated omnichannel strategy across physical and digital channels

    • Senior Director, Partnership Transformation for Asia, Pacific and Latin America
      Dec 2021 - Jun 2024 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Led the transformation of Nike’s partner ecosystem across APLA (Asia, Pacifc and Latam), fostering alignment, scalability, and performance within a complex distribution network. * Developed and rolled out scalable partner operating models to enhance execution consistency across markets. * Created and implemented innovative retail concepts for various channels. * Established process frameworks that supported sustainable growth for Nike and its partners. * Ensured alignment between global strategies and local execution to boost marketplace effectiveness. * Improved partner capabilities and strategic integration across regions.

    • Senior Director, Global Marketplace Partners
      Dec 2020 - Nov 2021 · 1 yr

      Led global enablement for Nike’s strategic partner ecosystem, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adoption of best practices worldwide. * Acted as the enterprise voice of global partners, influencing senior leadership and corporate strategy * Accelerated adoption of strategic initiatives and marketplace frameworks across geographies * Strengthened alignment between Nike Direct and whoasale channels

  • M&A Business Consultant at GRUPO TAVEX, S.A.
    Mar 2006 - Feb 2008 · 2 yrs