• Founded: 1953
• Founders: Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon
• Headquarters: Stamford, Connecticut, United States
• Parent Company: Samsung Electronics (since 2017)
• Industry: Consumer Electronics, Automotive Technology, Professional Audio, Software
• Employees: Approximately 30,000 worldwide
• Global Presence: Operations across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. [2]

HARMAN began as an audio equipment manufacturer focused on high-fidelity sound systems. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the company expanded through innovation and acquisitions, becoming a respected name in both consumer and professional audio.

During the 1990s and 2000s, HARMAN diversified into:

• Automotive infotainment systems
• Connected car technologies
• Navigation and telematics
• Professional audio solutions
• Enterprise software

A major milestone occurred in 2017, when Samsung Electronics acquired HARMAN for approximately US$8 billion, marking Samsung’s largest acquisition at the time. The acquisition strengthened Samsung’s presence in automotive electronics, connected vehicles, and premium audio while allowing HARMAN to continue operating under its own brand. [3]

Today, HARMAN operates across several major divisions:

Automotive

HARMAN is one of the world’s largest suppliers of in-vehicle technology.

Products include:

• Premium car audio systems
• Digital cockpit platforms
• Infotainment systems
• Connected vehicle software
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates
• Telematics
• Cybersecurity solutions
• Driver experience technologies

HARMAN supplies technology to many global automotive manufacturers.

Lifestyle (Consumer Audio)

This division develops products for everyday consumers, including:

• Portable Bluetooth speakers
• Home audio systems
• Headphones and earbuds
• Soundbars
• Gaming audio equipment
• Smart speakers

Professional Solutions

HARMAN designs equipment used in:

• Concert venues
• Stadiums
• Recording studios
• Broadcast facilities
• Hotels
• Houses of worship
• Educational institutions
• Corporate conference rooms

Products include:

• Professional loudspeakers
• Digital mixing consoles
• Amplifiers
• Microphones
• Lighting systems
• Audio networking equipment

Software & Connected Services

HARMAN also develops:

• Cloud platforms
• AI-powered software
• Digital transformation services
• IoT solutions
• Enterprise software
• Embedded systems
• Vehicle software platforms

These technologies support industries such as automotive, healthcare, telecommunications, retail, and industrial automation. [4]

HARMAN owns or manages many internationally recognized audio brands.

Consumer Audio

• JBL
• Harman Kardon
• AKG
• Infinity
• Mark Levinson
• Revel

Professional Audio

• JBL Professional
• Crown
• Soundcraft
• dbx
• Lexicon
• BSS
• Studer
• Martin Lighting
• AMX
• DigiTech

In recent years, HARMAN has also expanded its portfolio by acquiring additional premium audio brands through strategic acquisitions. [5]

HARMAN develops technologies in areas including:

• Premium audio engineering
• Active noise cancellation (ANC)
• Digital signal processing (DSP)
• Vehicle connectivity
• Artificial intelligence
• Voice assistants
• Smart cockpit systems
• Immersive audio
• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity
• Edge computing
• Internet of Things (IoT)

The company invests heavily in research and development to create integrated hardware and software experiences. [6]

HARMAN technology is integrated into vehicles from many global manufacturers, including luxury, premium, and mass-market brands. Its audio systems are commonly offered as premium options, while its connected-car platforms power infotainment and digital cockpit experiences. [7]

HARMAN has received numerous industry awards and recognitions, including:

• Technical GRAMMY Awards
• Academy Awards for professional audio technologies
• CES Innovation Awards
• Automotive technology certifications
• Industry leadership awards in connected vehicle technology. [8]

HARMAN’s stated mission is to create technology and design centered around people, delivering seamless, connected experiences across homes, vehicles, workplaces, and entertainment venues. The company emphasizes five core values:

• Integrity
• Innovation
• Teamwork & Respect
• Inclusion
• Excellence. [9]

HARMAN is widely regarded as a global leader in:

• Premium consumer audio
• Professional sound systems
• Automotive infotainment
• Connected vehicle technologies
• Digital cockpit platforms
• Enterprise audio solutions

Its products are used by millions of consumers and are integrated into vehicles and commercial installations around the world. [10]

• Founded by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, whose surnames inspired the Harman Kardon brand.
• Became part of Samsung Electronics in 2017 while continuing to operate as an independent subsidiary.
• Owns some of the world’s most recognized audio brands, including JBL, AKG, Harman Kardon, and Mark Levinson.
• Serves both consumer and enterprise markets, from portable speakers to large-scale concert venues and advanced automotive systems. [11]

HARMAN has evolved from a pioneering hi-fi audio manufacturer into a global technology company focused on connected experiences. Its portfolio spans consumer electronics, professional audio, automotive systems, and enterprise software, with a strong emphasis on innovation in sound, connectivity, and intelligent mobility. Backed by Samsung Electronics, HARMAN continues to expand its influence in premium audio and next-generation automotive technology while maintaining a legacy of engineering excellence. [12]

1. CORPORATE FACT SHEET
2. Mission & Values | HARMAN
3. Samsung acquires connected car maker Harman in its ‘biggest deal ever’
4. HARMAN Acquires Sound United. Here’s What to Know
5. HARMAN Unveils New Logo, Signals Brand Evolution | HARMAN
6. Newsroom | HARMAN
7. Board of Directors | HARMAN
8. HARMAN International
9. HARMAN International
10. Overview | HARMAN Embedded Audio
11. HARMAN International
12. HARMAN Digital Transformation and Technology Solutions