Jerry Kalov receives CEA's lifetime achievement award

Award recognizes more than 40 years of contributions to the consumer electronics industry

In recognition of his extraordinary achievements and contributions to the consumer electronics industry, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award last week to Jerry Kalov, a longtime leader in the consumer electronics industry and current CEA Industry Executive Advisor.  The award was presented during CEA's 8th annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit held last week in Huntington Beach, CA.

"Jerry Kalov has given so much time, wisdom and guidance to CEA and the consumer electronics (CE) industry.  This award is a symbolic 'thank you' for his contributions and lifetime of achievement," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro.  "As a former CEA chairman, our current Industry Executive Advisor and a tireless industry champion, Jerry has helped focus the CE industry on key issues such as product returns, helped CEA become one of the 20 largest associations in the U.S. and helped make the International CES the largest event in the Americas."

Currently with Chicago-based management consulting firm Kay Associates, Kalov has been involved in the electronics industry for 44 years, holding a number of key executive positions in manufacturing, retailing and wholesale distribution.  From 1985 until his retirement on January 1, 1998, Kalov served as president and chief executive officer of Cobra Electronics Corporation.  Prior to joining Cobra in April 1985, he was the senior partner in a Los Angeles-based venture capital and management-consulting firm, which had interests in the consumer and industrial electronics industries.

Previously, Kalov was president and chief operating officer of Harman International Industries, a then privately held, multinational manufacturing and distribution corporation in the electronics home entertainment and professional recording industries. He also served as president and chief executive officer of JBL Incorporated, the largest of Harman's subsidiaries.

For ten years prior to his Harman tenure, Mr. Kalov was the senior officer of Jensen International.   His past involvement in the consumer electronics industry also includes a proprietary interest in a multi-store retail electronic company in the Chicago metropolitan area, management of a number of stores for a national electronics company, manufacturer's representative, and various hands-on sales and marketing activities.

A member of CEA's Executive Committee, Kalov served as chairman of CEA for two years and has served as its Industry Executive Advisor for more than six years. 

"Jerry's dedication and service to our industry is an inspiration," Shapiro stated.  "He has mentored many of our staff and leadership and made a huge difference as a friend, counselor and industry leader.  All involved in our industry owe him our gratitude."