Tom Kalinske

Tom Kalinske
Place of birth: Iowa, United States
Date of birth: 1944-07-17 (age 76)
Company(ies): Sega of America
Role(s): Executive
Education: University of Wisconsin (Batchelor of Business Science) University of Arizona (Master of Business Administration) Harvard Business School (Strategic Management)

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Thomas "Tom" Kalinske is an American businessman who served as president and CEO of Sega of America from October 1990 to September 30, 1996.

History

The successor to Michael Katz, Kalinske was the face of SoA during a period of rapid growth and success, particularly between 1993 and 1994. His aggressive marketing decisions, such as price drops and the famous "Sega Scream" TV campaign, are frequently regarded as key elements in the continuing success of the Sega Genesis. He was also instrumental in establishing the modern Sega of America and its capability of producing its own games, laying the groundwork for the company’s successful fight against the Nintendo monopoly.

After a reported falling out with Sega of Japan and lacklustre sales of the Sega Saturn, Kalinske quit the firm in 1996. SoA went nearly two years without hiring a new president, with the role only being re-filled when Bernie Stolar was promoted in March 1998.

Production history

• Disney's Aladdin (Mega Drive;
  1993) — Special Thanks to
• NiGHTS into Dreams (Saturn;
  1996) — Executive Management

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) — Executive Supporter
• Sonic & Knuckles (1994) — Executive Management
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles (1994) — Executive Management

Interviews

• Interview: Tom Kalinske (2006-07-11) by Sega-16

Magazine articles

Main article: Tom Kalinske/Magazine articles.