Athletic equipment and sportswear giant giant Nike (NKE) is as big name there is in its chosen business. It makes all sorts of shoes, uniforms, basketballs and related gear. Its best-known product is the Air Jordan line of basketball shoes.

Nike said on Thursday that former senior executive Elliott Hill will rejoin the company to succeed John Donahoe as president and CEO, as the sportswear giant shakes up its top rank amid efforts to revive sales and battle rising competition.

New York (CNN) — Nike, struggling from rising competition and its own strategy mistakes, is making a major shakeup. 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.

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

Nike (NYSE:NKE) turned some heads on Thursday by announcing that CEO John Donahoe will step down to be replaced by Elliott Hill. Hill spent his caree