Joe Richter, former president of Kenwood USA, named Akai USA President and CEO

In a move consistent with their intent to attack the specialty audio and video arena, the Akai brand has enlisted the help of a veteran quarterback to lead their reentry into the United States market. Joe Richter, former president of Kenwood USA, has been named President and CEO of APH USA, the exclusive sales, manufacturing, marketing and distribution company behind the Akai brand for North America.

Joe Richter, former president of Kenwood USA, named Akai USA President and CEO

Santa Monica, October 20th, 2002 : In a move consistent with their intent to attack the specialty audio and video arena, the Akai brand has enlisted the help of a veteran quarterback to lead their reentry into the United States market. Joe Richter, former president of Kenwood USA, has been named President and CEO of APH USA, the exclusive sales, manufacturing, marketing and distribution company behind the Akai brand for North America. Richter, whose career within the consumer electronics industry spans over three decades, is a current member of the Board of Directors of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), a former Chairman of its Audio Division, and a past member of the Association's Executive Committee.

"Akai represents the opportunity of a lifetime", said Richter, and I intend to seize it. By working in partnership with select retailers, we intend to be first to market with the audio and video products that consumers want. Our emphasis will be on providing the latest technology at the most reasonable price with a level of service that is second to none. When someone asks, 'why Akai', we're going to provide all the answers."

Richter is joining Akai after spending 21 years with Kenwood USA, where he has served as President since 1993. He will officially begin his new position on October 21, 2002. Prior to Kenwood in 1981, he began his career in retail sales before spending over a decade as a manufacturers representative. He will assume the overall operations and direction of Akai for the United States market, from their new headquarters in Santa Monica, California.                

Joe Richter is a welcome addition to the APH USA management team", said Adrian Ma, Managing Director of Grande Holdings of Hong Kong. Grande Holdings is the parent company of Akai and has worldwide control of the Akai brand. Akai enjoys great market share on a global basis, and we look forward to Joes guidance in the implementation of our strategic plans for Akai for the United States market."

About APH USA, Inc.
APH USA, Inc. is a United States holding company for Akai manufacturing, sales and North American distribution. For additional information on Akai merchandise, sales and customer support, please contact our sales department at 310-664-8060. APH USA is located at 1500 Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica, California.