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Phil Knight

Phil Knight is an American businessman best known as the co-founder of Nike, Inc.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phil Knight is an American businessman best known as the co-founder of Nike, Inc. He helped build Nike from Blue Ribbon Sports into one of the world’s largest sportswear companies and served as the company’s president and CEO for many years. Knight is also known for his memoir *Shoe Dog* and for his philanthropy in Oregon and beyond.

Early life and education

Phil Knight was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1938. He studied at the University of Oregon and later earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Nike

Knight co-founded Nike with Bill Bowerman in 1964, starting from the earlier business Blue Ribbon Sports. He helped guide the company from a small shoe distributor into a major multinational brand.

Leadership and business career

Knight served as Nike’s president and CEO for many years and later became chairman emeritus. Sources describe him as one of the principal figures behind Nike’s global growth.

Writing and philanthropy

Knight wrote *Shoe Dog*, a memoir about Nike’s early years and his business career. He and his wife Penny have also given large sums to charitable causes, especially through the Knight Foundation.

Key facts

  • Co-founded Nike in 1964 with Bill Bowerman, originally as Blue Ribbon Sports.
  • Served as Nike’s president and CEO for decades before becoming chairman emeritus.
  • Nike grew under his leadership into a global sportswear and equipment company.
  • He is the author of the memoir *Shoe Dog*.
  • Knight and his family have been major philanthropists, with substantial gifts through the Knight Foundation.
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Canadian context

Knight is relevant to Canadian readers as the co-founder of a major global sportswear company with a significant retail and cultural presence in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Phil Knight?
Phil Knight is an American businessman and the co-founder of Nike, Inc.
When was Phil Knight born?
He was born on February 24, 1938, in Portland, Oregon.
What company did Phil Knight found?
He co-founded Nike, which began as Blue Ribbon Sports.
What role did Phil Knight have at Nike?
He served as Nike’s president and CEO for many years and is now chairman emeritus.
What is *Shoe Dog*?
*Shoe Dog* is Phil Knight’s memoir about the founding and early growth of Nike.
Is Phil Knight involved in philanthropy?
Yes. He and his wife have donated large amounts to charitable causes, largely through the Knight Foundation.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Phil-Knight
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, co-founding Nike, leadership role, company history.
  2. NIKE, Inc. — https://about.nike.com/en/company/people/philip-h-knight
    Supports: Official biography, education, Nike roles, co-founding, career timeline.
  3. Forbes — https://www.forbes.com/profile/phil-knight/
    Supports: Family philanthropy and ownership/wealth context.
  4. Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike/dp/1501135910
    Supports: Authorship of *Shoe Dog* and memoir description.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0461044/bio/
    Supports: Marriage and family details, association with Laika, birth information.