Rob Strasser was a pioneering figure in the sports apparel industry, playing instrumental roles at Nike and Adidas. He was notably involved in the launch of the Air Jordan line at Nike and later helped rejuvenate Adidas as a significant competitor. This article will provide a brief overview of his life and career, based on the information available on the internet.
Early Life and Education
Rob Strasser was born on October 5, 1947, in Milwaukie, Oregon, USA. He attended Willamette University in Salem and the UC Berkeley School of Law. He started his career as a lawyer in Portland, Oregon, where he represented Nike (under its original name, Blue Ribbon Sports) and drew the attention of its founder Phil Knight. (according to Wikipedia)
Nike Years
Strasser joined Nike during its early years. His audacious and unconventional style was critical in shaping Nike’s trajectory, most notably in the launch of the Air Jordan line. Strasser led Nike’s strategic war against Adidas, Nike’s key rival, and was instrumental in Nike’s charge into European markets. (according to Portland Monthly)
In 1984, Nike faced a decline in the basketball sneaker market, where Converse and Adidas dominated. The company decided to sign Michael Jordan, who wanted to go to Adidas. Strasser played a great role in impressing him to sign with Nike, and created the iconic Air Jordan brand with designer Peter Moore. The Air Jordan line became a huge success and revolutionized the sneaker culture. (according to WikiofCelebs)
In 1987, Strasser left Nike due to ideological differences with Phil Knight and partnered with Peter Moore in a consulting firm, Sports Inc. (according to Portland Monthly)
Adidas Years
Strasser’s career took an unexpected turn when he was recruited by Adidas, the company he had once helped Nike to defeat. Tasked with rejuvenating the struggling brand, Strasser and Moore relocated Adidas’s North American headquarters to Portland. Their strategy focused on reducing the brand to its iconic core, a move that resonated with consumers. (according to Wikipedia)
Strasser also signed celebrities and athletes to endorse Adidas, such as Madonna, Run DMC, and David Beckham. He also introduced innovations such as the Equipment line and the Torsion system. Under his leadership, Adidas regained its market share and became a significant competitor to Nike. (according to WikiofCelebs)
Legacy and Death
Despite Strasser’s complicated relationships with both Nike and Adidas, his influence on Portland’s economy and culture remains indisputable. His loyalty to the city helped shape Portland into a major player in the sportswear industry. (according to Willamette Week)
Strasser died of a heart attack at the age of 46 in Germany on October 15, 1993. He was survived by his wife Julie Strasser, who worked at Nike as an advertising manager and co-authored the book Swoosh: The Unauthorized Story of Nike and the Men Who Played There, and his daughter Avery. (according to WikiofCelebs)
Strasser was portrayed by Jason Bateman in the 2023 movie Air. (according to Willamette Week)