Table of Contents
History of O’Neill
When was the company founded?
O’Neill is originally a Californian surf wear and surfboard brand started in 1952.
Where was it founded?
It was founded in San Francisco, California in 1952. 69 years ago.
Who were the founders?
The founder is Jack O’Neill.
Why was it founded?
In 1952, he founded the O’Neill brand while opening one of California’s first surf shops in a garage on the Great Highway in San Francisco, close to his favorite bodysurfing break at the time. This led to the establishment of a company that deals in wetsuits, surf gear, and clothing.
Important milestones in the company’s history
In May 2007 the ownership of the brand was sold to Logo International B.V. a private company owned by Ronald de Waal headquartered in The Netherlands and faced difficulties for years.
Since 2018 the company is under full control of Peter Truijen and is making a jumpstart to a better future despite covid-19.
In 1996 O’Neill set up the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, a free, ocean-based program to educate young people about the marine environment. Over 100,000 children have participated in this program. O’Neill is involved in various other causes to help support the environment, such as through O’Neill Blue.
O’Neill sponsors young promising as well as high-profile surfers, boarders and skiers, as part of their ambassador program.
Any other important people who contributed to success?
Jack O’Neill’s son Pat invented the leash on the surfboard.
Peter Truijen took full control of the company and is making a jumpstart to a better future despite covid-19.
Company mission, vision and values
What does the company believe in?
| Mission | Born from California surf, we create leading-edge products for active and adventurous spirits to enjoy our playground longer. The original since 1952. |
| Values | 1. Resilient We have a winning mindset. We see obstacles as opportunities. We thrive on change and adapt to it. We keep going until we have reached our goals. 2. Inclusive We are part of a community. Everybody is invited and truly welcome to join. 3. Curious We are constantly pioneering, experimenting, reinventing ourselves, striving to become better. 4. Energetic We are active people. We are full of positive energy. We never stop. Always going for the extra mile. 5. Responsible We have a natural drive to take care of each other, our product, our planet and our brand. Together, we will do our part. |
The Company Today
Who is the CEO?
Daniel Neukomm is the CEO of La Jolla Group from 2013 to present. La Jolla Group holds the clothing license of O’Neill.
How many staff do they have?
O’Neill has 700 employees and is ranked 5th among it’s top 10 competitors.
How much revenue do they earn?
O’Neill has a revenue of $343M.
Where are they located?
O’Neill Wetsuits LLC is located at 1071 41ST Ave Santa Cruz, CA, 95062-4400 United States.
O’Neill operates from headquarters in Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, The Netherlands.
Do they have a foundation / non-for-profit arm?
They don’t have a foundation or non-for-profit arm.
Which products do they specialize in?
O’Neill specializes in Apparel, Snowwear, Swimwear, Surfwear and Lifestyle.
In the News
Any mainstream news articles referencing the brand?
Jack O’Neill Day, July 9th 2020
We Will Surf Again – Support Your Local Surf Shop
O’Neill.com
Any interesting quotes from executives or ambassadors?
I’m just a surfer who wanted to build something that would allow me to surf longer.
Jack O’Neill, Founder
Snow is just a frozen water.
Jack O’Neill, Founder
Once first, always first.
Sebastien Toutant, Laurie Blouin, Jeremy Jones (Team O’Neill)
The Ambassadors
Who is sponsored by the company?
O’Neill sponsors Sebastien Toutant (Snowboarding), Laurie Blouin (Snowboarding), Nicolaas Leduc (Wake), Vicent Gagnier (Ski), Melissa Riitano (Snowboarding), Evan McEachran (Skiing), Logan Maclennan (Surf), Alexis Roland (Snowboarding), Jasmine Porter (Surf), Alex Hackel (Skiing), Frazer Mayor (Surf), Elena Gaskell (Skiing), LJ Strenio (Skiing), Brandon Davis (Snowboarding), Zach Masi (Skiing), Vincent Prevost (Skiing).
| Sebastien Toutant (Snowboarding) | Facebook |
| Laurie Blouin (Snowboarding) | Facebook |
| Nicolaas Leduc (Wake) | |
| Vincent Gagnier (Ski) | Facebook |
| Melissa Riitano (Snowboarding) | |
| Evan McEachran (Skiing) | Facebook |
| Logan Maclennan (Surf) | Facebook |
| Jasmine Porter (Surf) | |
| Frazer Mayor (Surf) | Instagram |
| Elena Gaskell (Skiing) | Facebook |
| LJ Strenio (Skiing) | Facebook |
| Brandon Davis (Snowboarding) | Facebook |
| Zach Masi (Skiing) | |
| Vincent Prevost (Skiing) | Instagram |
Sustainability
Do they produce any eco-friendly products or have a sustainability focus?
O’Neill Announces Eco Friendly Apparel Collection with j.k. livin Artist Mishka
Ocean Mission Capsule – O’Neill Blue
Each item in the collection is created with recycled materials, generated form rescued fishnets, plastic bottles or industrial waste.
Campaigns and Partnerships
Are they doing anything interesting in terms of campaigns or partnerships?
- O’Neill partners with Parley for the Oceans for new collaborative project
- Designer collaborations spice up O’Neill Women’s
- Sanrio and O’Neill Partner for O’Neill x Hello Kitty Collection Launching Summer 2018
- O’Neill Wetsuits Partners With CenterStone
- O’Neill Blue Capsule in collaboration with Kimberley Jenneskens
Showcase products
Youth REACTOR ll 1.5/1.0MM L/S Top 
Psycho 4/3mm Steamer Chest Zip Wetsuit 
Hyperfreak NOMAD 19″ boardshorts
For more information
Visit the O’Neill website.