Arlington, VA–The Consumer Electronics Association has revealed that Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of General Motors Corp., will deliver a keynote address at the 2008 International CES. Wagoner joins an outstanding lineup of CES keynote speakers, including executives from Microsoft, Panasonic and Intel, slated to make major presentations at CES. Produced by CEA, the 2008 International CES will return to Las Vegas, Nevada, January 7-10, 2008.
Wagoners keynote address is slated for day two of the show, Tuesday, January 8, at 4:30 p.m., and will mark General Motors first keynote address at the International CES.
The consumer technology and automotive industries continue to intertwine as consumers demand more innovation and functionality from in-vehicle electronics products. This exciting keynote address by the worlds largest automaker is further proof that the International CES is the must-attend event for in-vehicle technology, said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. Were thrilled to have Rick Wagoner speak at the 2008 CES and look forward to hearing his vision for the growth of consumer technology in the automotive industry.
The International CES serves as the launch pad for the latest in-vehicle technologies and innovations. In-vehicle technology continues to play a dominant role in the growth of the consumer technology industry, with total shipment revenues in the mobile video and navigation categories forecasted to increase by an astounding 41 percent in 2007, reaching nearly $2.3 billion.
Rick Wagoner was elected GM chairman and chief executive officer on May 1, 2003, and had served as president and chief executive officer since June 2000. In 1998, Wagoner was elected president and chief operating officer, and had served as executive vice president of GM and president of North American Operations since 1994. Prior to that, Wagoner was GMs executive vice president and chief financial officer from 1992 to 1994, and also had responsibility for worldwide purchasing from 1993 to 1994.
Wagoner received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Duke University in 1975 and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University in 1977. He began his GM career as an analyst in the Treasurer’s Office in New York in 1977.
Wagoner joins other top level executives including Microsofts Bill Gates, Panasonics Toshihiro Sakamoto and Intels Paul Otellini as confirmed keynote speakers for the 2008 International CES.
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