CEA Mourns the Loss of Industry Pioneer Sidney Harman

ARLINGTON, Va.--()--The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® mourns the loss of Sidney Harman. Dr. Harman was executive chairman of Newsweek, chairman of the Academy for Polymathic Study at the University of Southern California, founder of Harman Industries and a Consumer Electronics (CE) Hall of Fame inductee. At the age of 92, Dr. Harman passed away Tuesday due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia.

“Sidney was a true industry leader who revolutionized the music industry,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “He was one of the inaugural inductees into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame in 2000, an award that commemorates the impact icons like Sidney had on our industry. With the passing of Sidney, we have lost a good friend and mentor.”

In addition to his work in the CE industry, Harman had an impressive career helping build and develop facilities for arts and education.

Sidney Harman’s career began when he partnered with Bernard Kardon to develop the first home audio receiver. After buying his partner out in 1956, Harman continued to expand Harman Kardon into an audio powerhouse focusing on the niche high-quality audio market. During the Carter administration, Harman was appointed as Undersecretary of the Department of Commerce. To avoid a conflict of interest, he sold the company only to piece it back together in 1980 after leaving government service. The newly formed HARMAN International Professional Group grew to offer system solutions for the processional audio market and also successfully branched into the automotive electronics market.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $186 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org and www.Innovation-Movement.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • LA Games Conference
    April 26, 2011, Los Angeles, CA
  • Digital Hollywood Spring
    May 2-5, 2011, Los Angeles, CA
  • CES on the Hill
    May 10, 2011, Washington, DC
  • Digital Patriots Dinner
    May 11, 2011, Washington, DC
  • CE Week
    June 20-24, 2011, New York, NY
  • CEO Summit and Board Retreat
    October 1-3, 2011, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy
  • CEA TechHome Mediterraneo Summit
    October 3-5, 2011, Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy
  • Digital Hollywood Fall
    October 17-20, 2011, Marina Del Ray, CA
  • CEA Industry Forum
    October 23-28, 2011, San Diego, CA
  • CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled @ NY
    November 8, 2011, New York, NY
  • Digital Hollywood New York City
    November 15-17, 2011, New York, NY
  • Future of Television East
    November 18, 2011, New York, NY
  • 2012 International CES
    January 10-13, 2012, Las Vegas, NV

Contacts

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Megan Pollock, 703-907-7668
mpollock@CE.org
www.CE.org
or
Colleen Lerro, 703-907-7080
clerro@CE.org

Contacts

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
Megan Pollock, 703-907-7668
mpollock@CE.org
www.CE.org
or
Colleen Lerro, 703-907-7080
clerro@CE.org