James Jannard
Fashion and Retail

James Jannard Net Worth

James Jannard, born in 1949 in San Juan Islands, Washington, United States, is the founder of the sunglasses empire Oakley. Starting with a motorcycle grip that wicked sweat during long rides, he went on to create a successful business that was sold to Luxottica for $2.1 billion in 2007. He is now working on his next project, Red Digital, building high-resolution cameras, and is also developing the world's first holographic smartphone, which is set to be released in 2018.
James Jannard is a member of Fashion and Retail

Age, Biography and Wiki

Birth Year 1949
Birth Place San Juan Islands, Washington, United States
Age 74 YEARS OLD
Residence San Juan Islands, Washington
Alma mater University of Southern California (dropped out)
Occupation Businessman
Known for founder of Oakley, Inc. founder of Red Digital Cinema Camera Company

💰 Net worth: $2.2 Billion (2024)

James Jannard, a prominent figure in the fashion and retail industry in the United States, is estimated to have a net worth of $2.2 billion by 2024. As the founder of Oakley, a renowned sports performance brand, Jannard has revolutionized the eyewear industry with his innovative designs and high-quality products. Through his visionary approach, he has not only built a successful business empire but also established himself as a pioneer in the fashion and retail world. James Jannard's accomplishments and remarkable net worth highlight his significant contributions to the industry and solidify his status as a leading entrepreneur.

2009 $2.8 Billion
2010 $3 Billion
2011 $3 Billion
2012 $2.8 Billion
2013 $3 Billion
2014 $3 Billion
2015 $4 Billion
2016 $4 Billion
2017 $4 Billion
2018 $4.19 Billion

Biography/Timeline

1975

Jannard was born in Los Angeles but was raised in Alhambra, California, the son of a pharmacist, and graduated from Alhambra High School. Jannard was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jannard attended the USC School of Pharmacy but dropped out to travel the southwestern U.S. on a motorcycle. In 1975, he started a one-man Business selling motorcycle parts out of his car at motocross events. He named his company after his dog, Oakley. He began developing his own products: first, custom handlebar grips that conformed to the shape of one's hand and later motorcycle goggles, ski goggles, and sunglasses. One model of sunglasses was used by bicycle racer Greg LeMond, raising Oakley's profile. In the 1980s, he restricted the sale of Oakley sunglasses to the Sunglass Hut (although small specialty shops could continue to sell Oakley sunglasses). In 1991, his company had 200 employees. In 1995, the company went public.

1999

Jannard owns the Fiji islands of Kaibu and Vatu Vara. He also owns a 500-acre island in the San Juan Islands archipelago. In 1999, Jannard purchased two properties in Newport Beach, California, for about $15 million.

2005

In 2005, Jannard started Red Digital Cinema Camera Company. In 2007, Red released the Red One which was used to shoot Wanted, Che, The Informant, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In 2010, Red released the Red Epic which was used to shoot The Amazing Spiderman, The Hobbit, Prometheus, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and The Great Gatsby as well as many other feature films.

2007

He sold Oakley in November 2007 for $2.1 billion to Italian company Luxottica, the world's largest eyewear manufacturers and Retailers.

2009

In 2009, Jannard was named one of the 100 Most Creative People by Fast Company Magazine.

Some James Jannard images

About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.