Former Panasonic executive Jack Pluckhahn, who held multiple volunteer leadership positions in CTA’s predecessor associations, passed away.
Pluckhahn served in several leadership roles with the Consumer Electronics Group (CEG) between 1986-1994, including chairman, vice chairman and video chairman. Between 1990-1998, he served as industry vice president with the CEG and the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association’s executive committee. In 1993, he received the Electronic Industries Alliance Distinguished Service Award.
He was a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Advanced Television Service (ACATS) and served on the board of directors of the Model HDTV Station Project. ACATS and the model station project helped set the technical underpinnings for DTV and served as critical proofs of concept, CTA said.
Pluckhahn began his career as a buyer for Dayton’s Department Store in Minneapolis before working for Panasonic from 1968 to 1994. In the course of his Panasonic career, Pluckhahn served from 1972 to 1982 as Vice President of the Southern Group of Matsushita Electric Corp. of America, now known as Panasonic Corp. of North America. From 1982 to 1989 he was president of the Quasar Division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America. From 1989 to 1994, he served as vice president of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, responsible for operations and headquarters functions.
“Jack Pluckhahn was a highly regarded and influential adviser to me, the CTA family and the consumer technology industry,” said CTA president/CEO Gary Shapiro. “He helped lead the remarkable growth of CES and expansion of CTA membership through his many leadership positions with our association.”
“Television as we know it today – including the immersive experience of Ultra High-Definition TV – would not be possible without the contributions of Jack and his colleagues,” Shapiro added. “We join Jack’s friends and former colleagues in remembering an influential leader and valued mentor.”
Added Kathy Gornik, former CEA chairperson and Thiel Audio co-founder, “I have such wonderful memories of Jack! He was always a gentleman, kind and funny, and a pleasure to be around.”
Pluckhahn’s obituary in a Georgia newspaper appears here.
