Former Nike and eBay CEO John Donahoe has been named as Stanford's athletic director after school officials viewed him as a "unicorn candidate" because of his business ties and history at the school.

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.

Stanford tapped veteran executive John Donahoe, former Nike CEO and longtime supporter, to succeed Bernard Muir as athletic director.