Nike Stock Rallies on CEO Switch: What to Know
Nike stock is higher Friday after the embattled retailer announced a 32-year company veteran will return as its incoming CEO.


Nike (NKE) stock is trading notably higher in Friday's session after the athletic footwear and apparel retailer announced the appointment of a new CEO.
Effective October 14, Elliott Hill will take over as president and CEO of Nike, replacing current chief executive John Donahoe, the company said in a regulatory filing. Hill spent 32 years at Nike in various roles before retiring in 2020 as president of its consumer and marketplace division.
"Nike has always been a core part of who I am, and I'm ready to help lead it to an even brighter future," Hill said in a statement. "For 32 years, I've had the privilege of working with the best in the industry, helping to shape our company into the magical place it is today. I'm eager to reconnect with the many employees and trusted partners I've worked with over the years, and just as excited to build new, impactful relationships that will move us ahead."

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Outgoing CEO John Donahoe has held the role since January 2020, but a myriad of struggles has led to a decline of roughly 20% in Nike's share price over his tenure prior through the September 19 close.
Most notably, Donahoe's efforts shifted the company's strategy to one that focused on selling directly to consumers in its stores and online, but this decision moved it "too far away from wholesale partners," according to CNBC. It also caused Nike to it losing sight of innovation and created a lack of new product launches, CNBC said.
"It's been an honor and privilege to be part of this incredible company, and I'll always value my time at Nike and the opportunity to lead the organization," Donahoe said in a statement. "It became clear now was the time to make a leadership change, and Elliott is the right person. I look forward to seeing Nike and Elliott's future successes."
The C-suite shake up comes a little over a month after regulatory filings revealed Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management initiated a stake in the blue chip stock in the second quarter. The activist investor previously held a stake in Nike back in 2017.
Is Nike stock a buy, sell or hold?
Nike has struggled in 2024, down 25% for the year to date through the September 19 close, putting it just ahead of Intel (INTC) and Boeing (BA) on the list of worst Dow Jones stocks. Still, Wall Street is generally bullish toward the consumer discretionary stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for NKE stock is $92.11, representing implied upside of more than 8% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is Buy.
While financial services firm Truist Securities has a Hold rating on NKE stock, it raised its price target to $85 from $81 following the appointment of the new CEO.
"We see this move as a positive step that could reinvigorate the brand and improve sentiment on the stock, as Mr. Hill is highly respected and has deep knowledge of the business from his 32-year tenure at Nike," says Truist Securities analyst Joseph Civello.
"However, the near-term upside appears priced into the after-market move," which makes the large-cap stock pricey at current levels despite "no projected revenue growth," he adds.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
4 Money Habits Boomers Swore By That Millennials Are Walking Away From
Millennials are trading tradition for flexibility when it comes to building wealth.
-
Abu Dhabi Adventures: New Thrills, Iconic Sights and Disney’s Latest Park
Discover the mix of culture, wildlife and modern marvels that make this Middle Eastern city a destination to watch.
-
How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Financial Professional Breaks Down Your Options
What it all boils down to is will you be comfortable in retirement? Some people may rely on formulas, while others just aim for $1 million nest egg.
-
Despite Our Grumbles, America Still Delivers on the Dream: Perspective From a Financial Pro Who's Seen Stuff
Some of us might complain about the state of our nation (and those concerns are legit), but America still offers unparalleled opportunities and mobility that many people around the world only dream about.
-
Dow Rips 846 Points to New All-Time High: Stock Market Today
Fed Chair Jerome Powell seems ready to cut interest rates in the fall but will still rely on incoming economic data about inflation and employment.
-
Bonds Pay in Good and Bad Times
Bonds can act as a financial safety net through good times and bad. But different bonds carry different returns and risks, so do your homework before investing.
-
When You Need Capital Quickly, Think 'Ready, Set, Fund': A Financial Adviser's Strategy
Investors must be able to free up cash to meet short-term needs from time to time. This strategy will help you access capital without derailing your long-term goals.
-
I'm an Estate Planner: Moving Family Assets to a Safe Haven Abroad Could Be a Huge Headache for Your Heirs
In troubled times like these, wealthy clients may seek financial refuge outside of the U.S. But that could cause more tax and estate problems than it solves.
-
S&P 500 Extends Losing Streak Ahead of Powell Speech: Stock Market Today
Stocks continued to struggle ahead of Fed Chair Powell's Friday morning speech at Jackson Hole.
-
A Timeline of Warren Buffett's Life and Berkshire Hathaway
Buffett was the face of Berkshire Hathaway for 60 years. Here's a timeline of how he built the sprawling holding company and its outperforming equity portfolio.