Rob Strasser, Nike veteran, leaves company.

Rob Strasser, Nike veteran, leaves company BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Rob Strasser, a vice president at Nike Inc. and a maverick in the athletic footwear industry, suddenly resigned last week just three months after he had returned to the company after a five-month leave of absence.

Company officials offered no reason for Strasser's exit, likening it to a retirement and advising that the Nike veteran has said he has no intention to take another job.

Strasser had just returned to Nike in early April as one of the company's vice presidents, working closely with its design and development department. Just five months earlier, Strasser said he was taking a leave of …