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 shares traded sharply higher in pre-market trading Friday after the world’s largest athletic apparel and equipment company announced Elliott Hill will replace John Donahoe

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.

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

Nike's new CEO is expected to double down on the company's efforts to repair relations with retailers to energize sales, reversing a strategy under outgoing chief John Donahoe that focused on selling directly through its stores and website.

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.

Elliott Hill will replace John Donahoe as chief executive next month, following months of struggles for the athletic-wear giant.

The athletic giant announced Thursday that CEO John Donahoe will retire next month and will be replaced by Elliott Hill, a veteran former Nike executive. Nike’s stock rose 9% during after-hours trading 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.