CEA Remembers Jerry Kalov

Jerry Kalov, the first ever recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) Lifetime Achievement Award, passed away on March 1 from leukemia, CEA announces. Kalov, who most recently headed Kay Associates, a management consulting firm based in Menlo Park, California, was a long-time leader in the consumer electronics industry and a staunch CEA supporter and committed volunteer. Kalov served as chairman of CEA from 1992 to 1994. Following his chairmanship, he remained an active volunteer leader, serving as industry executive advisor, a member of CEA's executive board and its board of industry leaders. He also was a recent inductee into the CE Hall of Fame.

"Hearts are heavy today as our industry mourns the loss of a great man, industry leader and dear friend," says CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "He set a phenomenal example of volunteer leadership — always giving of his time, meeting with staff and helping to grow the association and the International CES. His list of contributions to our industry and our association are many. Jerry played a critical role in negotiating the formation of CEA as a standalone association, he helped us grow by leading us through several key mergers and he provided key strategic advice that directly helped the International CES grow into the world's largest annual showcase for consumer technology. More importantly, he was a mentor and friend to me, our staff and to many throughout the industry. A great man has passed. His passing will be sorely felt."

Past and present CEA executive board chairpersons join Shapiro in remembering Kalov.