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.

Outgoing Nike CEO John Donahue made strategic missteps, most especially losing his team's winning spirit.. In-coming 32-year Nike veteran Elliott Hill will restore it.

Nike Inc. spent nearly $104 million on pay and benefits for John Donahoe during his near five-year tenure atop the sneaker-maker, before replacing the former Bain & Co. executive in a bid to revive the brand.