The hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman has bet big on the iconic American brand. His firm, Pershing Square, acquired three million shares, or 0.2 percent, of Nike this spring. His stake is currently worth about $250 million.

Nike stock is higher Friday after the embattled retailer announced a 32-year company veteran will return as its incoming CEO.

Phil Knight and other parts of the Nike universe lauded the hiring of Elliott Hill as the sneaker giant’s next chief executive officer, but good vibes alone won’t be enough to fix a company in turmoil.

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

The shoe giant's shares are down over 20% year-to-date after an ambitious direct-selling strategy opened the door to competition.

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

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.