Harman International Industries

Harman International Industries is a global leader in the design and engineering of connected technologies for the automotive industry, consumer electronics, and enterprise solutions. Founded by audio pioneers Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, the company has evolved from its roots in high-fidelity home audio to become a major force in infotainment systems, audio signal processing, and connected services. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics since 2017, it operates a portfolio of renowned brands that serve both professional musicians and everyday consumers worldwide.

History

The company's origins trace back to 1953 with the founding of Harman Kardon by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, which quickly became famous for its innovative high-fidelity receivers. Following the sale of Harman Kardon to Jerrold Corporation in 1956, Sidney Harman reacquired the brand in 1969 and established the corporate entity in 1980. A period of significant expansion began in the 1990s under the leadership of Bernard Grégoire, marked by strategic acquisitions including JBL Professional and Crown International. The company's focus shifted decisively toward the automotive sector in the early 2000s, securing major contracts with manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. This trajectory led to its acquisition by Samsung Electronics in a landmark deal valued at approximately $8 billion, integrating its expertise into the Samsung ecosystem.

Products and brands

The company's diverse portfolio is segmented into several key areas, anchored by iconic brands in professional and consumer audio. Its Professional Solutions division includes JBL Professional for large-scale sound reinforcement, Crown International for amplification, and AKG for microphones and headphones, widely used in studios and on stages like the Grammy Awards. The Connected Car division develops advanced infotainment platforms, telematics, and connected safety systems for automakers such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Volvo Cars. Consumer audio products are marketed under the Harman Kardon, JBL, and Infinity Systems brands, encompassing wireless speakers, headphones, and home theater systems. The portfolio also includes the legendary Lexicon brand, renowned for its digital reverb and audio processing used in Hollywood productions.

Acquisitions and subsidiaries

Growth has been heavily driven by a consistent strategy of acquiring complementary technologies and brands. Major acquisitions in the audio domain include Infinity Systems in 1983, JBL in 1969, and AKG Acoustics in 1994. The push into automotive technology was accelerated by the purchases of Becker Automotive Systems in 1999 and the infotainment software specialist Symphony Teleca in 2015. Other significant subsidiaries include Bang & Olufsen Automotive, acquired in 2015 to enhance premium audio offerings in vehicles, and Martin Professional, a leader in stage lighting and effects. These entities operate under the umbrella of its parent company, Samsung Electronics, which provides resources for further research and integration.

Corporate affairs

As a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, the company is integrated into the Samsung corporate structure, with its global headquarters located in Stamford, Connecticut. It maintains a significant operational and R&D presence worldwide, including major facilities in Germany, India, and China. The company is a prominent participant in industry consortia such as the Car Connectivity Consortium, which standardizes technologies like MirrorLink. Its corporate social responsibility initiatives often focus on STEM education and community support through partnerships with organizations like the United Nations. Leadership has included notable figures from the technology and automotive sectors, contributing to its strategic direction within the competitive landscape of connected car technologies.

Technology and innovation

The company is distinguished by its deep investment in acoustic engineering, digital signal processing, and cloud-based services. Core innovations include the Harman Clari-Fi music restoration technology, HARMAN Spark platform for IoT device development, and the HARMAN Ignite cloud platform for automotive applications. Its research division, Harman International Industries Research & Development, pioneers work in areas like spatial audio, noise cancellation, and artificial intelligence for in-car personal assistants. The company holds numerous patents related to audio codecs, array microphone systems, and vehicle-to-everything communication, solidifying its role as a key technology provider to partners like Google for Android Automotive and Microsoft for integrated office solutions.