R/GA Appoints Ryan Griffin to Lead Global Nike Partnership

Creative Innovation company R/GA has announced the appointment of Ryan Griffin as the new lead of the agency’s iconic 24-year partnership with Nike. In this role, Ryan will oversee all facets of the relationship with Nike and the Jordan brand, bringing fresh energy to the work while continuing to push boundaries across digital innovation, retail experiences, and brand storytelling.

A creative partner to Nike since 2000, R/GA has helped shape the brand’s digital evolution and retail presence for over two decades. Ryan’s appointment signals a continued investment in that partnership and a shared commitment to producing culturally resonant, breakthrough work.

Ryan’s connection to Nike is both professional and personal. He began his career at AKQA London, later helping to establish its Portland office dedicated to Nike. From 2008 to 2013, he was fully embedded in the brand’s global digital marketing efforts - launching Nike’s first social media channels, guiding their digital voice, and training teams around the world alongside Nike’s leadership.

“Ryan has a deep understanding of Nike’s DNA and a proven track record of shaping how the brand shows up in the world,” said Tiffany Rolfe, global chief creative officer and chair at R/GA. “He’s a natural fit to lead one of our most enduring partnerships into its next chapter.”

R/GA’s portfolio of work goes back to some of Nike's most ambitious projects to date, including Nike+ and Fuelband, with more recent work for Jordan, Global Retail, Global Digital Marketing, Social Community Impact through Coaching, and Global Kids/Teens.

“Returning to partner with Nike feels like a full-circle moment, especially as the brand stands at the brink of yet another major transformation,” Ryan said. “Just as social media reshaped the game over 15 years ago, today’s shifts in tech and consumer behaviour present a new incredible opportunity. The opportunity to work at the intersection of R/GA’s forward-thinking approach and Nike’s culture of innovation is an exciting one.”

Following AKQA, Ryan expanded his skillset at 72andSunny in Los Angeles, leading integrated brand campaigns for clients like Tillamook and Sonos. He then joined Beats by Dre where he oversaw digital marketing, e-commerce, and product integration within the Apple ecosystem.

More recently, Ryan held leadership roles at B-Reel and Commotion, where he partnered with companies including Google, Airbnb, and Motorola, and helped bring an AI-powered e-commerce platform to market. Throughout his career, Ryan has maintained a sharp focus on marrying digital fluency with cultural relevance - an approach that aligns seamlessly with R/GA’s philosophy of harnessing design and technology to create more valuable experiences for people and brands.

With two kids, one on the way, and a side passion for music (he runs a record label in his spare time), Ryan brings not only professional depth but also creative spirit and curiosity to his work.