Meyers Manx Appoints Two Automotive Industry Veterans to Co-CEO Positions
2024年5月9日 - 1:09AM
ビジネスワイヤ(英語)
Jennifer Flake and Bill Strickland Bring More
Than 60 Years Combined Experience to Lead Legendary Dune Buggy
Company to Win Classic Enthusiasts, Grow into its Electric Era
Meyers Manx, the original fiberglass dune buggy kit car company
founded in 1964 by Bruce Meyers, today announces the appointment of
two automotive industry veterans as the company’s co-CEOs. Jennifer
Flake and Bill Strickland will lead the new era of Meyers Manx,
including the roll out of the Manx 2.0 Electric, which reimagines
the original dune buggy that came to symbolize the Southern
California beach lifestyle.
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Left to right: Jennifer Flake, Bill
Strickland, Freeman Thomas, Phillip Sarofim (Photo: Business
Wire)
Phillip Sarofim, Founding Partner of Trousdale Ventures and
Chairman of Meyers Manx said, “We are further accelerating our
efforts to deliver the best of Meyers Manx’s classic dune buggies –
and continuing to grow our future lineup of products and
experiences. Both Jennifer and Bill embrace the spirit of
innovation that has defined the Meyers Manx brand for decades – and
their decades of experience and leadership will help us serve the
loyal customers we treasure as well as those we can serve in all
new ways.”
The all-electric Manx 2.0 Dune Buggy is the first vehicle
produced under new Meyers Manx ownership, led by global venture
capital firm Trousdale Ventures, which took control of the company
shortly before Meyers' passing in 2021. The firm invests in
companies that find visionary solutions to environmental and
societal challenges and are enhancing both human lives and the
planet.
Freeman Thomas, who had been Meyers Manx CEO and Chief Creative
Officer, becomes Meyers Manx Vice Chairman.
New Leadership for the Next Era of Meyers Manx
The Co-CEO structure maximizes both Flake and Strickland’s
respective strengths. Flake leads on Finance, Marketing and Sales,
Human Resources, and Legal, while Strickland leads Product
Development, including Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality.
Flake is a former journalist who spent nearly 30 years at Ford
Motor Company, like three earlier generations of her family. She
lived and worked globally in Communications, Marketing, and Product
Development roles for the company. In her Design positions, Flake
helped create future brand and product visions for a range of Ford
Motor Company brands.
In addition, as part of Ford Communications and Marketing, she
led reveals and launches of some of the company's most iconic
vehicles — including the all-new Bronco, the company's first global
Mustang, and several generations of F-150 and Super Duty
pickups.
“Meyers Manx has a rich heritage, and our dune buggies continue
to be celebrated by enthusiasts all over the world,” Flake said.
“Joining the team that will reimagine and grow this legacy —
connecting with a new generation — is the honor of a lifetime.”
Strickland brings an extensive background in automotive
engineering and leadership, with more than 25 years of experience
across various high-profile roles. Prior to joining Meyers Manx,
Strickland served as Co-Founder and VP of Vehicle Programs at
Canoo, where he led from inception to prototype, and was a key
figure in strategic sourcing and manufacturing decisions. He also
held the position of Vehicle Line Executive at Faraday Future,
contributing to the flagship FF91's development and business
strategy.
Strickland’s significant tenure at Ford Motor Company, where he
was the Global Chief Engineer for the Ford Fusion program,
underscores his expertise in product development, manufacturing,
and operations. During his time at Ford, he managed multiple
high-stakes launches, including the 2013 Explorer & Police
program and several Lincoln programs tailored for the Chinese
market, enhancing Ford’s global footprint. His expertise will be
pivotal as Meyers Manx continues to enhance its product offerings
and manufacturing processes.
Strickland shared his excitement about his new role, saying,
“Joining Jennifer as Co-CEO of Meyers Manx is a tremendous honor,
especially at such a pivotal moment in our history. For decades,
Meyers Manx has been celebrated for its kit cars, empowering
enthusiasts to build their own unique buggies. Now, as we introduce
full turnkey solutions in the electric format, we are starting an
exciting new chapter. This evolution marks a significant milestone
as we continue to innovate while honoring our legacy. I am eager to
lead our talented team as we expand our offerings and continue to
redefine adventure for our customers.”
About Meyers Manx
Meyers Manx is the original fiberglass dune buggy kit car
company, created by Bruce Meyers and now owned by Phillip Sarofim’s
Trousdale Ventures. Bruce Meyers had a vision for fun when he
designed and built the first-ever fiberglass body dune buggy in the
1960s. Now, over 50 years later, Phillip Sarofim has taken the
wheel to expand that vision globally by bringing “More Smiles Per
Mile” than anything else on four wheels.
About Trousdale Ventures
Trousdale Ventures is a privately held investment firm led by
founder and CEO Phillip Sarofim. Its portfolio of groundbreaking
companies improves quality of life by fueling advances in space and
mobility, climate tech, and technology-driven health and wellness.
Trousdale Ventures seeks to overcome barriers in the fields of
health, productivity, and sustainability by democratizing wellness
and accelerating innovation. For more information, visit:
www.trousdale.vc.
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Lindsay Siwiec Jet Black PR lindsay@jetblackpr.com