Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Bob Borchardt, CEA, Recoton Chairman, Dies At 75

Arlington, Va. – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reported that Bob Borchardt, former CEA chairman and Recoton Corporation president/CEO, died today at 75.

CEA said in a statement: “Borchardt contributed greatly to CEA’s growth. He served as chairman of CEA’s executive board from 1997 to 1998 and conceived and founded CEA’s accessories division, serving as its initial chair from 1992 to 1993. Borchardt also launched CEA’s annual CEO Summit, which will celebrate 17 years in 2014, creating a comfortable forum for leaders from manufacturing, service provider and retail companies to meet, network and develop deeper personal relationships.”

In addition, he served as chairman of the Electronic Industries Alliance.

“Bob Borchardt was a gentleman, a visionary leader and an industry legend who helped to grow our association, the International CES and the overall CE industry,” said CEA president/CEO Gary Shapiro. “He generously gave his time, vast experience, expertise and leadership skills as he served as a volunteer leader with our association.”

Borchardt’s leadership contributed greatly to the growth of the CE accessories category, providing new market opportunities for retailers and manufacturers and new options and increased personalization for consumers, the CEA statement said.

As president and CEO of Recoton, Borchardt took the company founded by his father Herbert in Long Island City, N.Y., and grew it from $3 million in sales to nearly $1 billion.

Among the company’s accomplishments was promoting the acceptance of stereo sound in TVs in the mid-1980s. He eventually moved its headquarters to Lake Mary, Fla., and expanded Recoton’s offerings with several key acquisitions and the growth of major brands, including Jensen, Discwasher and Parsec, ultimately marketing about 3,500 different products through several divisions and subsidiaries.

Recoton went out of business in 2003 with several of its brands being purchased by Voxx International.

“Bob was a great mentor and friend. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” said Shapiro.

Featured

Close