40 Under 40 2013 Profiles: Al-Saadi, Berry, Chiou, Clark, Cohen, Dickerson, DiTullo, Fleury

By Dealerscope Staff

Alexander Cohen, 39, Vice President of Supply Chain and General Manager, China Division, Steren Electronics International, San Diego, Calif.

Background: Grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, and now lives in San Diego, Calif.

Higher education: Western Institute of Technology and Higher Education Guadalajara, Mexico,

B.A. in Business Administration.

Career: Thirteen years in the industry. As the leader of the product management and engineering teams, Cohen spearheads efforts to develop and improve products for customers in CE, wholesale distribution, cable, telecommunications and satellite service companies, as well as international electrical and electronic distributors. He also helps the company manage quality assurance and quality engineering operations in the U.S. and Asia. As vice president of supply chain, Cohen is responsible for ensuring that all finished goods arrive on time.

Industry achievement: “While living in Shanghai I was able to lead the company through the implementation of ISO 9001 Certification and implement numerous factory management systems and processes that ensure product quality to meet our business and consumer expectations.”

Awards: Oversaw three patents for Steren. Led Steren Supply Chain Team to achieve the Communications Technology Platinum Award in the category of Coaxial Distribution System and Equipment for the Ground Loop Isolator.

What you like best about your job: “I’m a tech geek at heart. I love finding new and innovative technology and learning how it applies in daily life.”

What you like least: “There are so many opportunities available for innovation with today’s technology—it becomes a bit frustrating for me that I’m not able to take every idea that I think of and dream about to market.”

Favorite pastime: Following the NFL “and playing with the all the electronic gadgets I can get my hands on.”

Last book read: “Wherever You Go There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Favorite movie: “Coming to America”

Best concert: Michael Jackson performing “Black or White.”

Favorite CE product of the year: “I’m really impressed by the new ‘remote’ devices being introduced, including the Dish Hopper and DTV Genie. I also think the home and health monitoring tools like the Nest thermostat and Fitbit are really impressive.

Kara Dickerson, 39, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and Conferences, CEA

Twitter: @krdvirginia