Nike said 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. The company’s shares rose 9% in after-hours trading.

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.

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.

Nike says Elliott Hill will replace John Donahoe as CEO in October. Nike has struggled to turn around its business over the last 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.