Jim Jannard
James Jannard | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 8, 1949 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, designer |
| Known for | Founder of Oakley and Red Digital Cinema Camera Company |
James Jannard (born June 8, 1949) is an American entrepreneur and designer, recognized as the founder of Oakley, a prominent company specializing in eyewear and apparel, as well as the Red Digital Cinema Camera Company.
Early life and career
Jannard was born in Los Angeles to a pharmacist and raised in Alhambra, California. He completed his education at Alhambra High School before enrolling at the USC School of Pharmacy. However, he left the program to embark on a motorcycle journey across the southwestern United States.
In 1975, he initiated a solo venture selling motorcycle accessories at motocross events, naming the enterprise after his dog, Oakley. He introduced innovative products such as custom handlebar grips and motorcycle goggles, eventually broadening the product range to include ski goggles and sunglasses. Oakley gained significant attention when cyclist Greg LeMond wore their sunglasses. Throughout the 1980s, Oakley primarily distributed through the Sunglass Hut, while specialty retailers also stocked their items. By 1991, the company had grown to 200 employees and went public in 1995. In November 2007, Jannard sold Oakley to Italian eyewear leader Luxottica for $2.1 billion.
Jannard established Red Digital Cinema Camera Company in 2005, which rapidly emerged as a key player in the digital cinema camera industry. In 2009, Fast Company magazine honored him among the 100 Most Creative People.
On October 24, 2019, Jannard announced his retirement, attributing the decision to age and health considerations.
Personal life
Jannard is the owner of Fiji’s Kaibu and Vatu Vara islands, along with Spieden Island—a 500-acre property located within the San Juan Islands archipelago. In 1999, he acquired two estates in Newport Beach, California, for approximately $15 million. On June 18, 2024, he sold his Malibu oceanfront residence for $210 million, establishing a new record for real estate sales in California.
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- 1949 births
- American billionaires
- American chief executives
- Living people
- University of Southern California alumni
- Latter Day Saints from California
- Alhambra High School (Alhambra, California) alumni
- Businesspeople from Los Angeles