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<strong>Harman</strong>’s Professional Division launched more than<br />
<strong>10</strong>0 new products during the fi scal year, leveraging<br />
the power of its HiQnet integration protocol which<br />
makes our products a favorite among leading sound<br />
contractors and the artists and facilities they serve.<br />
New <strong>Harman</strong> systems premiered at such venues as<br />
the new Yankees and Mets baseballs stadiums, the<br />
luxury Atlantis resort in Dubai, the Vienna State<br />
Opera, and Broadway’s renewal of the classic West<br />
Side Story. Our audio systems served one of the<br />
largest public outdoor crowds ever assembled during<br />
the historic 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration.<br />
We celebrated the ultimate recognition of our sound<br />
quality leadership as Offi cial Sound Partner to the<br />
Recording Academy’s GRAMMY® Awards.<br />
Recognizing that the right talent is key to continuous improvement, we welcomed the contributions of<br />
several seasoned new executives during the year - including a new Chief Financial Offi cer, Herbert Parker;<br />
a new General Counsel, Todd Suko; a new Chief Technology Offi cer, Sachin Lawande; and new heads of the<br />
Automotive and Consumer divisions, Klaus Blickle and David Slump respectively. David also leads our<br />
Corporate Development initiatives. We have appointed seasoned country managers to guide our activities<br />
in the US, Japan, India, China and North Asia. Each of these individuals brings battle-tested expertise in<br />
turnaround and growth while supporting our belief that a global company must be led by executives who<br />
have successfully managed across a variety of global markets.<br />
The <strong>Harman</strong> Board was similarly strengthened during the year with the appointment of Ann McLaughlin<br />
Korologos as lead director and the election of Rajat K. Gupta, Senior Partner Emeritus - McKinsey & Company<br />
and Hellene Runtagh - Former President and CEO, Berwind Group to succeed two retiring members. I was<br />
privileged to succeed Dr. Sidney <strong>Harman</strong> as Chairman at the beginning of the year and I am grateful to the<br />
distinguished individuals who share my commitment to making <strong>Harman</strong>’s Board of Directors a model of candid<br />
governance and visible leadership. I am honored to enjoy a continued friendship with Dr. <strong>Harman</strong> in his role<br />
of Chairman Emeritus as he pursues his teaching and philanthropic projects at the young age of 91.<br />
Reaching deeper into the <strong>Harman</strong> human capital resource pool, we implemented new programs for employee<br />
development and succession planning, and for most closely linking compensation to measurable business<br />
targets. We are rolling out new talent referral and wellness programs to ensure that our employee team<br />
remains strong and sound.<br />
It is often said that diversity breeds new strength, and I believe <strong>Harman</strong>’s achievements during Fiscal Year<br />
2009 validate this axiom. While navigating a severe economic storm that devastated so many others, we<br />
responded with a renewed culture of execution, accountability and innovation. We enjoy the most positive<br />
customer relationships ever, while our record volume of awarded business and new product portfolio across<br />
all three business divisions positions <strong>Harman</strong> for a strong comeback to profi table growth. Hard work remains,<br />
as does <strong>Harman</strong>’s commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term value to our shareholders and we are<br />
grateful for your support.<br />
Best regards,<br />
Dinesh C. Paliwal<br />
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Offi cer<br />
<strong>Harman</strong> International Annual Report 2009<br />
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