Pioneer Executive VP Passes

Kevan Morris, a well-loved leader at Pioneer Electronics for decades, passed on Saturday at an all too young age.

He inspired many in the industry including retailers, distributors and fellow Pioneer employees.

Executives at Car Toys worked closely with Morris in the early days of the now 50-store chain.

Car Toys Chairman & CEO Dan Brettler said, “Kevan Morris was a friend and outstanding business partner to our company and personally to myself.  I worked with Kevan when we opened our doors and for many years.   He was incredibly trustworthy, of high integrity, compassionate and very passionate.  He was outstanding at representing the collaborative interests of the vendor and the customer.”

Brettler added that Morris was “a fighter for all things 12 volt.”

Morris started at Pioneer in 1986 and steadily worked his way up the ranks to Executive Vice President in the US.

“His quick and engaging smile was infectious but above all Kevan was a man of integrity.  You could do business with Kevan on a handshake and never regret it,” said Jim Warren, formerly of Car Toys and now Executive Director of the Elite Distributor Alliance.

“We lost a true friend and a champion in the industry, he helped everyone he knew and he made peace between management and dealers and had the right vision. He will be missed…” added Joe Levy, of Thunderball a long time Pioneer distributor based in NJ.

Morris worked under former Pioneer USA President Ed Sachs who said, “Kevan was one of those ‘people assets,’ that companies often speak about.  You know, the company’s strength is its people.  Kevan embodied that.  Kevan cared about his family and Pioneer.  Both will feel this loss.”

Many of the above industry leaders expressed condolences to Morris’ family.

Back in the 80’s, while working at Pacific Stereo, Morris was recruited into the role of Product Specialist at NLS Marketing, a rep firm in Bellevue, Washington selling Pioneer car electronics.  In August 1986, he officially joined Pioneer as a District Sales Manager covering car electronics in the Pacific Northwest territory.  In the thirty-five years since, Morris held posts at Pioneer’s car, home, and TV businesses before becoming Executive Vice President, “a position in which he served with distinction since May 2011,” said Pioneer.

“Kevan’s expansive sales knowledge, strong leadership and tireless work ethic have been the backbone of Pioneer’s growth and success throughout North America.  Kevan could always be counted on to meet any challenge with a calm demeanor and comforting smile.  Kevan conducted himself with the utmost integrity and he earned the admiration and respect of all with whom he has worked…” said Pioneer.

It added, “The entire Pioneer global family mourns the loss of such an outstanding leader, teammate, and friend.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, Mary, his sons, Devon and Ryan, and the rest of his extended family and friends.”