New Nike CEO Elliot Hill is inheriting “a turnaround that has yet to show momentum,” according to Stifel analyst Jim Duffy.

Nike Inc. has named Elliott Hill as its president and CEO effective, replacing John Donahoe, who will retire next month.

One analyst said the “highly anticipated leadership change will inject a much-needed sense of urgency” to Nike, whose share price remains down 50% from its 2021 peak.

Shares in Nike (NKE) surged after the sneaker company said it was getting a new chief executive. John Donahoe will retire as CEO next month after nearly five years at the helm, Nike said late Thursday.

Key Takeaways Nike's hard-hit shares topped the Dow's leaderboard Friday as Wall Street analysts largely welcomed the company's appointment of longtime executive Elliott Hill as its new CEO.Jefferies stuck with its hold rating noting that Hill will have to handle headwinds including more competition since he left the firm four years ago.

Nike shares powered firmly higher in early Friday trading as analysts and investors reacted to the sportswear giant's move to replace Chief Executive John Donahoe. Nike (NKE) , which has lost around $45 billion in market value this year,

Nike announced plans to toss out its president and CEO John Donahoe, as demand falters for the brand's sneakers.He'll be replaced by former senior executive Elliott Hill, who will take over next month.