Arlington, Va. –
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is recognizing the achievements and
celebrating the 90th birthday this month of Jack Wayman and his 65th year in
the industry.
Wayman was CEA president/CEO
Gary Shapiro’s predecessor as head of the organization from 1962 to 1983.
Wayman is best
known for guiding the association to create and produce the first International
CES in 1967.
This event is now
the continent’s largest annual event and the world’s largest consumer
technology trade show. Throughout his 60-year career in the consumer
electronics industry, Wayman has served in a variety of retail, wholesale and
trade association positions.
“Jack Wayman is an
industry visionary who paved the way for the successful show that CES is
today,” said Shapiro in a statement. “Jack has always been at the
forefront of both national and local legislation affecting our industry, and
was instrumental in defeating the motion picture industry’s attempt to stop the
marketing of the VCR in the Sony Betamax case. We honor his achievements and
celebrate his successes on this his 90th birthday.”
Wayman has
received virtually every award and recognition in the electronics industry,
including the Electronic Industries Association’s (EIA) Distinguished Service
Medal, the B’nai B’rith Electronic Industries Award and the United Jewish
Appeal Electronics Award.
He was inducted into the first class of the
Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame and has also been inducted into both the Electronic
Industries Hall of Fame and Video Hall of Fame. He was named “Man of the
Year” by several industry trade publications.
A combat infantry
company commander from the Normandy invasion to the Battle of the Bulge through
the end of World War II, he has many medals, including two Purple Hearts and
awards from France and Belgium. Wayman is a graduate of Davidson College in
North Carolina, and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in
Washington D.C.
Wayman will be
profiled in the July/August edition of CEA’s Vision Magazine for a more
detailed look into his life accomplishments. His industry friends will also
honor his birthday in conjunction with CE week in NYC on June 27. Contact
for information.
