Directed Electronics
{{Short description|American automotive security products company}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Directed Electronics, Inc.
| logo = Directed_Electronics_logo.png
| type = Public
| foundation = {{start date and age|1982}}, in Cleveland, Ohio
| location_city = Orlando, Florida
| location_country = United States
| parent = Voxx International
| homepage = [http://www.directed.com www.directed.com]
}}
Directed Electronics, Inc. (DEI) is an Orlando, Florida-based producer of car security products, including Viper car alarms and accessories. It is a subsidiary of VOXX Automotive, which is owned by VOXX International.
History
DEI was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1982 by Darrell and Kathy Issa.{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-directed-electronics-starts-out-selling-vehicle-2004nov13-story.html |title=Directed Electronics starts out selling vehicle security, grows to include audio systems |website=sandiegouniontribune.com |date=2004-11-13 |accessdate=2017-03-15}} Darrell served as the company's first CEO.
In 1986, the company headquarters moved to Vista, California, in San Diego County. In 1999, the Issas sold their share of DEI to Miami, Florida-based private equity firm Trivest.
In 2000, Darrell Issa was elected to the House of Representatives, and Jim Minarik replaced him as CEO. {{cite web|url=http://www.ceoutlook.com/2016/02/04/ceo-of-directeds-parent-retires/ |title=CEO of Directed’s Parent Retires|website=ceooutlook.com |date=2016-02-04 |accessdate=2017-04-06}}
In 2008, DEI adapted a holding company strategy, and its parent company became DEI Holdings, Inc.{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-dei-holdings-promotes-officers-2011oct27-story.html |title=DEI Holdings promotes officers |website=sandiegouniontribune.com |date=2011-10-27 |accessdate=2017-04-06}}
In 2011, Trivest sold the company to Charlesbank Capital Partners.{{cite web|url=https://sdbj.com/news/2017/mar/20/robert-struble-appointed-ceo-vista-based-directed/ |title=Robert Struble Appointed CEO of Vista-Based Directed |website=sdbj.com |date=2017-03-20 |accessdate=2017-04-05}}
In March 2017, the company announced Robert Struble as their new CEO.
In July 2020, VOXX International acquired the majority of Directed's automotive aftermarket business, adding eight brands, headlined by Viper.
Products
The company distributes various brands of car alarms and vehicle start systems, including AstroStart, Automate, Autostart, Avital, Clifford, Python and Viper.{{cn|date=April 2017}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.directed.com/ Directed Electronics, Inc.]
Category:1982 establishments in Ohio