Former Nike CEO John Donahoe will take over as the athletic director at Stanford, where he earned his graduate degree. His first day on the job will be Sept. 8. Donahoe, 65, comes to the position with decades of management experience.

Stanford has hired former Nike CEO John Donahoe as its new athletic director, marking a shift from a more traditional hire to one with extensive business experience rather than just a typical sports administration background.

Former Nike CEO John Donahoe has been hired as athletic director at Stanford. Donahoe will become the school's eighth athletic director and replace Bernard Muir, who stepped down this year. He will officially begin in the role Sept.