The Passing of Robert Acker
Robert Acker passed away suddenly Monday, November 9. I am sharing this here because I have been informed of this sad news by several industry colleagues and the funeral service will be Friday, 2 pm, at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, CA.
I am sharing this news because I got to know Robert first when he was at Dash Navigation and then at Aha Radio, which was acquired by Harman, where he led in-vehicle content integration efforts. Robert was an industry acquaintance to me but so much more to those who worked closely with him.
You can read Robert's impressive resume on LinkedIn - Harvard, Real Networks, XM Satellite Radio, Dash Navigation, Aha, Harman - which culminates with his taking on the CEO role at Seek Thermal. But his words (on Twitter) capture his career trajectory best: "Former rocket scientist turned consumer product market/product guy who launched satellite radio now bringing thermal imaging to everyday consumer use."
I did not know Robert's family. I never got to know him as a co-worker or underling. I do know he was viewed by myself and others as an industry leader - one that led by example and by his innovative efforts. Robert had the gift for understatement. In a world dominated by public relations hyperbole, Robert's thoughts and words consistently delivered substance, not distraction.
Robert was just a genuine guy who happened to bring new ideas and new products and new companies to life. It doesn't sound like much, right? But Robert was one of those guys quietly moving the industry needle, shifting the earth beneath all of our feet - with a smile.
I decided to post these thoughts here because I am certain others have much more to say and share about Robert than I do and because, as often happens with such a sudden passing, I wanted to help those closest to Robert - in the industry - get the word out to the widest network possible. Robert's is a soul and a voice and a vision that the industry will miss dearly.
Postscript:
Thanks, Telematics Update for a last glimpse of Robert Acker in top form - defining the future - https://tinyurl.com/nltt8a2 - TU Detroit interview.
Senior Executive Leader | Financial Services Sector | Entertainment | Default Management | Servicing | BPO
10 年My condolences to his family.
Senior Marketing, Communications and Branding Executive
10 年Thank you for posting, Roger. As someone who worked closely with Robert at XM, I can say that you have described him quite well. He was a wonderful guy, brilliant and kind. He will be greatly missed.
Embedded systems hardware and software
10 年Robert was a great guy. I've had the pleasure of working with him on a number of occasions over the past few years, and I'm sorry to see him go so long before his time was due. My condolences to his family.