James Jannard | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1949-06-08)June 8, 1949 (age 75) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California (dropped out) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | founder ofOakley founder ofRed Digital Cinema Camera Company |
James Jannard (born June 8, 1949)[1] is an American designer, businessman and founder ofOakley, an eyewear and apparel company; andRed Digital Cinema Camera Company.
Jannard was born inLos Angeles, the son of a pharmacist.[2] He was raised inAlhambra, California and was graduated fromAlhambra High School.[1] He attended theUSC School of Pharmacy, but dropped out to travel the southwestern U.S. on a motorcycle.[3][2]
In 1975, Jannard started a one-man business selling motorcycle parts out of his car atmotocross events. He named his company after his dog, Oakley.[3] He began developing his own products, including custom handlebar grips that conformed to the shape of one's hand,[2] motorcycle goggles, ski goggles and sunglasses.[3] Oakley sunglasses were used by bicycle racerGreg LeMond, raising the company's profile.[3] In the 1980s, Jannard restricted the sale of Oakley sunglasses to theSunglass Hut, although small specialty shops could continue to sell Oakley sunglasses.[2] In 1991, his company had 200 employees.[3] In 1995, the company went public.[2] Jannard sold Oakley in November 2007 for $2.1 billion to Italian companyLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear manufacturer and retailer.[4]
In 2005, Jannard startedRed Digital Cinema Camera Company, maker of some of the most popular digital cinema cameras in the industry.[5] In 2009, he was named one of the 100 Most Creative People byFast Company magazine.[6]
On Oct. 24, 2019, Jannard announced his retirement, citing his age and "a few health issues."[7]
Jannard owns theFiji islands ofKaibu andVatu Vara.[8] He also owns the 500-acreSpieden Island in theSan Juan Islandsarchipelago.[3] In 1999, Jannard purchased two properties inNewport Beach, California for about $15 million.[9] On June 18th, 2024 the Los Angeles Times announced that Jannard had sold his Malibu oceanfront estate for $210 million, setting a California state record.[10]