Meyers Manx Appoints Two Automotive Industry Veterans to Co-CEO Positions
COSTA MESA, Calif. , May 08 /Businesswire/ - 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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