Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. announced that Dr. Felix Zandman, Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Technical and Business Development Officer, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA). The award was presented to Zandman on Nov. 2 at the 2009 NEDA Executive Conference in Chicago.
NEDA has presented its Lifetime Achievement Award only five other times in the 70-plus-year history of the association. Zandman received the award in recognition of his successful career as a scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and corporate leader in the electronics industry. Under his leadership, Vishay has grown to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components.
"Dr. Felix Zandman's breakthroughs have transformed the electronics industry," said Brian McNally, VP, President Arrow EMEASA, in presenting the award. "As a teenager during World War II, he and his family were victims of the Holocaust. Yet despite all odds, he managed to survive, and went on to become Executive Chairman and Chief Technology and Business Development Officer of Vishay Intertechnology, an industry-leading manufacturer of electronic components. His rise from personal tragedy to triumph, his vision, and his leadership serve as an inspiration to us all. On behalf of NEDA, I salute Dr. Zandman and congratulate him."
Zandman, in his acceptance speech, said, "I am honored to receive NEDA's Lifetime Achievement Award. I thank the many people over the years who have supported me and who have made the success of Vishay Intertechnology possible. I also would like to take this opportunity to thank the association and its members, who have done so much to support the electronics industry."
Zandman has published numerous scientific papers, three textbooks, and an autobiography ("Never the Last Journey") and holds 70 patents. His previous awards include the Best Strategic Investor Award from the Israel Manufacturers Association (awarded by the President of Israel); the Legion of Honor, France (awarded by the President of the Republic of France); the Order of Merit for Research and Invention (France); the Franklin Institute Medal for Science (USA); and the Electronic Industries Alliance Medal of Honor (presented at a ceremony attended by the President of the United States).
