MasterCard unit accuses Nike of poaching cyber-security personnel

New York

Nike Inc was accused by a MasterCard Inc unit of conspiring to steal scarce technology talent by encouraging two top cyber-security managers to break their contracts with the credit card company as worries of hacking and breaches of customer privacy deepen.

MasterCard International Inc, a unit of the payment card company, alleges in a complaint filed on Wednesday in federal court in White Plains, New York, that Nike "conspired" with ex-chief information security officer William Dennings and a former senior engineering manager when it urged them to quit their jobs and join the sports apparel company. Nike was accused of interfering in MasterCard's contract with the workers, who were sued for breach of contract. "Talent in this rapidly growing area is limited, in demand and not well-known," New York-based MasterCard International said in a complaint seeking US$5 million and a ruling barring Nike from soliciting its employees.