Lesher Resigns From Hurley, Citing Personal Reasons

Michael Lesher, sales director at surf-wear maker Hurley International, said Thursday he resigned from the Costa Mesa company for personal reasons.

Lesher has worked for more than 13 years with company owner Bob Hurley, who was the licensee for Billabong USA before leaving to launch his own brand in 1998. Lesher, 47, said he plans to take up to six months off to spend time with his family before returning to work in the industry.

Hurley could not be reached for comment.

Lesher’s decision shocked some in the industry. “That’s quite a surprise,” said Dougall Walker, international marketing manager for Billabong Australia. “Under Bob, there was nobody who was higher than Mike.”