When Nike said on Thursday that John Donahoe was stepping down as chief executive officer, his exit from a rocky tenure offered a brutal reminder to corporate boards: Focus on what a company's core business is when looking for a new CEO.

Nike chief executive John Donahoe will retire next month, the company announced Thursday — marking the latest shake-up for the sneaker giant during a period of sluggish sales. Donahoe’s last day with Nike will be Oct.

Elliott Hill is coming off the bench - and is going to have to bring his A-game next month when he takes the lead as president and chief executive officer of Nike Inc. There was little surprise when the sports giant revealed late Thursday that "the board and John Donahoe have decided he will retire from his role" as president and CEO as of Oct.