Crestron Electronics announced on Friday that long-time company President and CEO Randy Klein will retire from the company “later this year.” The news was a bit of a surprise and the company said that Crestron Chairman and COO Dan Feldstein – son of company founder George Feldstein – will assume the role of President and CEO after Klein retires.
See more on this changing of the guard at Crestron
A sometimes controversial figure, Klein is known to be a perpetually passionate promoter of Crestron and singular protector of what he calls its foundational or core principles – particularly to drive innovation forward while remaining a family company. Equally adept at employing the sword as well as the shield, Klein stops at nothing to take whatever actions necessary and that he believes to be the best interests of the company.
In the face of many challenges over his 30 years with the company, Klein has been instrumental in helping to create a commercial and residential technology industry behemoth worth $2 billion, according to one financial industry media estimate. And by all reports, the company has just completed yet another record year – growing strongly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with a series of new products that help end-users adapt to the new hybrid world of work that resulted. It certainly looks as though Klein wants to ride into the sunset in the wake of one of their best years ever.
What a Transformation Crestron Has Undergone Since 1971
Later this fall, I will be retiring from this wonderful company that has been my home and second family for more than 30 years. As President and CEO, I make a lot of decisions every day. This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. The timing is right, Crestron is in a better place than it has ever been. We have emerged from the past 16 months stronger than ever, more united, and more resolved to take on the future and all the opporunity that it holds. I am proud of my achievements, but even more proud of Crestron as a company. There are no words to describe my 30-year journey: our accomplishments, tremendous changes, incredible growth, and all the people I’ve met and friendships that I’ve made. Those are the things that can never be replaced, and I will treasure them for a lifetime.”
Randy Klein, Crestron President and CEO in a prepared statement
What a transformation Crestron has gone through since George Feldstein founded it way back in 1971, before many of today’s integrators who have dedicated themselves to the brand even existed. Klein can legitimately take a bow, as few would argue that the sometimes pugnacious promoter was a significant driving force helping to propel the brand forward.
From Relatively Humble Beginnings to Global Automation Powerhouse
From those humble beginnings, a powerful industry brand has emerged employing around 5,000 people in its headquarters office in Rockleigh, NJ, and in a total of 90 offices selling and supporting Crestron products throughout 100 countries around the globe.
Stepping into the role being vacated by Klein is 49-year-old Dan Feldstein, himself a 25-year veteran of the company and son of the founder. Thanks to his background in computer engineering, Feldstein contributed to Research and Development during the earlier part of his career at Crestron and was directly involved in creating technologies and products still in use to this day. Feldstein then transitioned to roles in Operations working shoulder-to-shoulder with Klein and CTO Fred Bargetzi, who passed away earlier this year.
Feldstein Looks Forward to Building Momentum
The potential for Crestron’s business today and in the future is incredible. We have an amazing team with world class talent which will ensure Crestron’s continued technology leadership. I look forward to continuing to build our momentum long into the future.”
Dan Feldstein, who will assume the role of President and CEO upon Klein’s retirement
Klein’s retirement will take place later in 2021.
To learn all about Crestron and its products, visit: crestron.com.
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