1997 Distinguished Alumnus Richard E. James

Ph.D. Purdue University - 1970

Chief Executive Officer of Labtec Enterprises, Inc.

Dr. Richard E. James is Chief Executive Officer of Labtec Enterprises, Inc., the nation’s leading provider of speakers for multimedia computers. He received his Ph.D. in Statistics from Purdue University in 1970. He then joined General Motors Research Lab as a research mathematician, eventually becoming Director of Market Planning and Research in Corporate Product Planning. From 1977 to 1987 he held a number of positions at General Electric becoming Vice President for Marketing of GE/RCA Consumer Electronics. From 1988 to 1990, Dr. James was Vice President Harman International Industries and worldwide producer and marketer of consumer and professional loudspeaker systems from 1990 to 1992. He helped launch the Harman Professional Audio Group in 1993 and served as its president until early 1994, when he joined Labtec. Dr. James is recognized for his professional management experience and his knowledge and abilities in marketing and strategic planning.