Sneaker giant Nike is swapping its top innovation executive once again, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Chief Innovation Officer Tony Bignell departs after less than a year in the role, signaling difficulties within the company’s ongoing turnaround strategy. This marks the third change in innovation leadership within three years at the footwear behemoth.

CEO Elliott Hill installed Bignell last June as part of a push to revitalize Nike’s standing in product development. Bignell, a 30-year company veteran known for accelerating shoe development timelines, such as the fast-tracked Vomero Premium, is leaving for personal creative pursuits. This executive turnover raises questions about continuity in design strategy.

Andy Caine, currently VP and creative director for sportswear, steps into the CIO post beginning Sunday. Caine will report to Phil McCartney, who was recently given expanded oversight as chief innovation, design and product officer. Investors will assess whether Caine can successfully implement the necessary product shifts to accelerate growth.

These frequent leadership changes in a core area like innovation suggest internal friction regarding the pace or direction of product revitalization efforts. Sustained market gains depend heavily on effective execution from this newly configured product command structure.