James Jannard (born June 8, 1949)[1] is an American designer, businessman and founder of Oakley, Inc., an eyewear and apparel company; and Red Digital Cinema Camera Company.
James Jannard | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 8, 1949 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California (dropped out) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | founder of Oakley, Inc. founder of Red Digital Cinema Camera Company |
Early life and career
Jannard was born in Los Angeles, the son of a pharmacist.[2] He was raised in Alhambra, California and was graduated from Alhambra High School.[1] He attended the USC 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 at motocross 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 racer Greg LeMond, raising the company's profile.[3] In the 1980s, Jannard restricted the sale of Oakley sunglasses to the Sunglass 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 company Luxottica, the world's largest eyewear manufacturer and retailer.[4]
In 2005, Jannard started Red 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 by Fast Company Magazine.[6]
On Oct. 24, 2019, Jannard announced his retirement, citing his age and "a few health issues."[7]
Personal life
Jannard owns the Fiji islands of Kaibu and Vatu Vara.[8] He also owns the 500-acre Spieden Island in the San Juan Islands archipelago.[3] In 1999, Jannard purchased two properties in Newport Beach, California for about $15 million.[9]