Georg Steinberger, Chairman of the Board and founding member of FBDi, the German component distributors association has died aged 64 following a heart attack.
Mick Elliott writes: “Unbelievable” was the headline on the FBDI’s announcement, a statement endorsed by all those who knew this force of nature and his endless innovative ideas and critiques of distribution and the supply chain, gained rrom his many years of experience in the industry.
At just 25, he became Editor in Chief of Markt + Teknik, the leading German electronics publication, serving in that post from from 1989 to 1996. In 1998, he was named Vice President, Marketing Communications for Avnet Europe, a role he held until 2022.
He was a strong voice for the distribution channel as a Chairman of DMASS, the industry association responsible for gathering data on the European components market.
He was also President of the International Distribution of Electronics Association (IDEA).
A passionate supporter of Bayern Munich, meeting Georg the morning after a game was never a good idea as he had shouted himself hoarse! And he enjoyed taking the micky out of my support for Millwall FC where the vicissitudes of fortune were bumpier than the serene progress of the Allianz Arena inhabitants.
His support of Electronics Weekly’s Elektra awards in the early days was rock solid, and a foundation for the event’s success.
He was a good mate of the electronics industry, a top bloke to meet at electronics events and he will be sorely missed.
On behalf of the FBDi Managing Director Andreas Falke commented, “Georg, one of the most inspiring personalities who enriched our world with his commitment and charisma, and left it far too soon. No one could escape his humour and passionate discussion. He was both an impulsive driving force and a strategic visionary.
As a person and friend, he gave his all.
He was a loyal rock – his willingness to help was legendary, his support unconditional.
Especially in these days, his outstanding ability to connect people and dive deeper instead of just surfing on the surface was so rare and therefore so valuable.
Opinionated and direct, but never disrespectful or hurtful, open and humorous and yet with a clear edge – with a clear view. He not only leaves a huge gap as an expert in the electronics industry, but also as a person who was inspiring to his fellow human beings and irreplaceable to his friends.