Longtime Motorola CEO Bob Galvin Dies at 89

Wireless Week ^ | 10-13-11 | Peter Svensson,

[bigbob]

Robert Galvin, who over nearly three decades as Motorola's CEO transformed the maker of police radios and TVs into one of the world's leading electronics companies, has died. He was 89.

Galvin died Tuesday night in Chicago of natural causes, his family said.

Galvin oversaw Motorola's pioneering efforts in the cellular industry, including the creation of the first commercial cell phone in 1973 and the construction of the first cell phone network in the early 1980s.

"He probably single-handedly provided this firm with more leadership and guided it through more innovation than any other single person in our 83-year history," said Greg Brown, CEO of Motorola Solutions, the half of the old Motorola that sells communications equipment to government and corporate customers.

Galvin was named CEO in 1959 at the death his father, Paul Galvin, who had founded the company in 1928. Robert Galvin, known as "Bob," remained in the post until 1986 and stayed on as chairman until 1990. He retired from the board of directors in 2001.

Galvin led the company into China with a $100 million investment in 1987. The country is still a major market for its phones. He helped create the Six Sigma quality system at Motorola, since adopted by many other companies.

"Bob saw around corners. He anticipated," Brown said.

Motorola split into two companies in January. Motorola Solutions makes police radios, bar code scanners and other products for corporate and government customers. Motorola Mobility Holdings makes cell phones and has agreed to be acquired by Google.

[bigbob]

Mr. Galvin brought Motorola to the pinnacle of American industrial excellence during his career, creating a highly-respected company and globally-recognized brand.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[Buckeye McFrog]

The first television I remember us having as a kid was a Motorola black-and-white model. It was one of the last ones the company made. He probably made a wise choice to get out of that line of the business.