On Friday 24 January, Georg Steinberger, the esteemed Chairman of FBDi (the association of electronic components distribution) and President of the International Distribution of Electronics Association (IDEA), died suddenly and unexpectedly of a cardiac arrest at the age of 64.
A sad moment for the electronics industry, Georg Steinberger leaves a deep void as an expert in the electronics industry, as a specialist in distribution issues and as a journalist in the media landscape.
Georg Steinberger studied German at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich from 1982 to 1988, graduating with a Magister Artium in German, politics, history and economics. From 1989 to 1996 he was editor-in-chief of the electronics magazine Markt&Technik, before pursuing a career as Vice President Communications at Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA. Since 2022, he has been self-employed as a business strategy specialist. He excelled with his deep knowledge of semiconductors, product marketing, electronics, marketing communications, market research and others.
He was particularly passionate about distribution and was instrumental in founding the FBDi association in 2003, of which he has been Chairman since. As a thought leader and outstanding authority on the electronics industry, he repeatedly provided important impetus that impressed with knowledge, sparked debate and opened up new horizons.
He was also active beyond Germany and the distribution sector, serving as President of IDEA and, at the time, DMASS Ltd.
Georg Steinberger saw it as his mission to support a better world for mankind in an all-electric society and to communicate the role and added value of distribution with all its services and solutions.
His positive vision was a major driving force behind the networking of the distribution sector – a recent example being the alliance with FED and COGD in their call for less red tape.
Fierce, opinionated and direct, he was one of the most impressive and inspiring personalities in the industry. His dedication, charisma and sense of humour make him unforgettable. Georg Steinberger was also highly regarded for his ability to connect people and delve deeply into issues.
“His unexpected death has shocked us all,” said Andreas Falke, Managing Director of the FBDi Association. “Our sincere condolences go out to his loved ones at this difficult time. We will honour his memory and remain in deep mourning.”
Adam Fletcher, Chairman of IDEA and Chairman of the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn) said: “The loss of Georg not only leaves a huge gap in his visionary expertise within the electronic components industry, but also as a person who was both inspiring to his fellow human beings and irreplaceable to his family and friends.” He added: “May I take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences and best wishes to both Georg’s family and his very many friends.”
