Tom Kalinske
From Sega Retro
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| Tom Kalinske |
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| Company(ies): Sega of America |
| Role(s): Executive |
Thomas "Tom" Kalinske is an American businessman who was president and CEO of Sega of America from October 1990[1] to 1996. He was the successor to Michael Katz.
Tom 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 success of the Sega Mega Drive (Sega Genesis) in North America. He was also instrumental in establishing a strong American arm to the company, capable of producing its own games and more equipped to take on rivals Nintendo which were dominating the market before his arrival.
After a reported falling out with Sega of Japan and lacklustre sales of the Sega Saturn, Kalinske quit the firm in 1996[2]. 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
Magazine articles
- Main article: Tom Kalinske/Magazine articles.
References
| Presidents of Sega of America |
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| David Rosen (19xx-198x) | Gene Lipkin (198x-198x) | Bruce Lowry (1986-1989) | Michael Katz (1989-1990) | Tom Kalinske (1990-1996) | Bernie Stolar (1998-1999) | Peter Moore (1999-2003) | Hideaki Irie (2003-2005) | Simon Jeffery (2005-2009) | Mike Hayes (2009-2012) | John Cheng (2012-) |