Phil Knight

Phil Knight is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Nike, Inc., one of the world's largest and most influential sportswear brands. Under his leadership, Nike grew from a small startup into a global powerhouse in the athletic footwear and apparel industry. Knight is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare, through substantial donations to institutions such as the University of Oregon and Stanford University. His impact on sports and business has been profound, making him an iconic figure in both fields.

Phil Knight’s early life was marked by his passion for sports and a drive to combine it with business.

• Born on February 24, 1938, in Portland, Oregon.
• Grew up in the Portland neighborhood of Eastmoreland.
• Attended Cleveland High School, where he developed a love for track and field.
• Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon in 1959, where he was also a middle-distance runner under the famous coach Bill Bowerman.
• Served in the Army for one year and then enrolled in Stanford Graduate School of Business, earning an MBA in 1962.
• While at Stanford, wrote a paper on the concept of marketing high-quality, low-cost running shoes from Japan.
• In 1964, co-founded Blue Ribbon Sports, later known as Nike, with his coach Bill Bowerman.

Phil Knight’s family background and personal life have been integral to his success in building Nike into a global brand.

• His father was William W. Knight, a newspaper publisher.
• His mother was Lota Hatfield Knight, a homemaker.
• Phil Knight met his wife, Penelope "Penny" Parks while working at Portland State University. They married on September 13, 1968.
• Together, they have 3 children, Matthew Knight, Travis Knight, and Christina Knight.
• Their eldest child, Matthew, tragically died in a scuba diving accident in El Salvador in 2004.
• Travis Knight runs the Laika animation studio where Phil Knight serves as chairman.