After his appointment was announced, Hill's honeymoon phase began right away. Nike stock shot up 6% on the news. Company veterans rejoiced on social media. "We are so back!" one global director posted. "Go time, prayers answered," wrote another. John Hoke, the company's chief of innovation and another Beaverton lifer, told Fortune that his old pal Elliott is more than just the company's next CEO: "He's the refounder."