James 'Jim' Jannard is an American designer and entrepreneur, the self-made billionaire Founder of Oakley (eyewear/apparel) and Red Digital Cinema Camera Company. Born in Los Angeles, in 1949, his career is defined by rebellion and a singular focus on uncompromising design and technical quality.

Jannard dropped out of the USC School of Pharmacy 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, naming the company Oakley after his dog. His philosophy centers on challenging convention and producing revolutionary, high-performance products (often designed for extreme sports).

• Oakley (Founder): The core private asset, a global leader in high-performance eyewear and apparel. Sold for $2.1 billion to Luxottica in 2007.
• Red Digital Cinema Camera Company (Founder): The company that produces cutting-edge digital cinema cameras used extensively in the film industry (e.g., The Hobbit).
• Early Venture: He started his business selling motorcycle parts out of his car in 1975.
• Design Genius: He holds 441 patents and was named one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People (2009).

James Jannard's strategic genius was his commitment to innovation in materials and design. He started developing his own products (custom handlebar grips, goggles, and Oakley sunglasses), which gained popularity through athletes like Greg LeMond. He successfully led Oakley's IPO in 1995 and, in 2007, sold the company to Luxottica for $2.1 billion.

In 2005, he founded Red Digital Cinema Camera Company, which quickly disrupted the film industry by producing high-end digital cinema cameras used by directors like Peter Jackson. In October 2019, Jannard announced his retirement, citing age and health issues. His immense wealth is tied to the successful monetization of his two highly disruptive design and technology companies. In June 2024, he set a California state record by selling his Malibu oceanfront estate for $210 million.

James Jannard's social impact is structural, stemming from Oakley's role in transforming sports and lifestyle eyewear and Red Digital Cinema's role in pioneering digital cinematography, influencing modern film production worldwide. His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

His structural contribution is tied to his belief in uncompromising quality and technical innovation, which drove profound disruption in both the consumer goods and media technology sectors.

James Jannard maintains a highly original, maverick style. His attire is consistently focused on performance and design. His aesthetic is one of confident, disruptive affluence, reflecting his focus on extreme sports and cutting-edge technology.

Residing in San Juan Islands, Washington (and owning the Fiji islands of Kaibu and Vatu Vara), his luxury is the immense security and autonomy derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to design, disruptive innovation, and managing his global real estate and technology assets.