Robert Jay Strasser (5 October 1947 – 15 October 1993) was a pioneering figure in the sports apparel industry, playing instrumental roles at Nike and

Adidas Adidas AG (; stylized as adidas since 1949) is a German multinational corporation, founded and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, that designs and manufactures shoes, clothing and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufactur ...

. He was notably involved in the launch of the Air Jordan line at Nike and later helped rejuvenate Adidas as a significant competitor.

Career

Early career

Strasser was a graduate of Willamette University in

Salem Salem may refer to: Places Canada Ontario * Bruce County ** Salem, Arran–Elderslie, Ontario, in the municipality of Arran–Elderslie ** Salem, South Bruce, Ontario, in the municipality of South Bruce * Salem, Dufferin County, Ontario, part ...

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.

Nike

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. In 1987, Strasser left Nike due to ideological differences with Phil Knight and partnered with Peter Moore in a consulting firm, Sports Inc.

Adidas

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.

Legacy

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. Strasser was portrayed by

Jason Bateman Jason Kent Bateman (born January 14, 1969) is an American actor, director and producer known for his roles of Michael Bluth in the Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox/Netflix sitcom ''Arrested Development (TV series), Arrested Development'' and of Mart ...

in the 2023 movie '' Air''.

References

1947 births 1993 deaths UC Berkeley School of Law alumni Willamette University alumni Oregon lawyers Nike, Inc. people Adidas people {{Improve categories, date=July 2023