Las Vegas, NV – January 10, 2025 – The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is proud to announce that Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), has been awarded the prestigious WITSA Eminent Person Award during CES 2025.

The WITSA Eminent Person Award is presented to individuals who have made  a significant and profound positive difference in the lives of others. Gary Shapiro's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation have been instrumental in shaping the consumer technology landscape worldwide.

Under Shapiro's stewardship, CTA is a leading voice in technology policy and advocacy, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He has been a driving force behind CES, transforming it into the world's most powerful technology event, showcasing breakthrough technologies and fostering global partnerships.

In recognition of his contributions, Shapiro has received numerous accolades. These include regular appearances on Washingtonian magazine’s "Tech Titans" and “Most Influential People in Washington” lists. In 2021, Shapiro received the prestigious Legion of Honor from French President Emmanuel Macron, recognizing his role in growing France’s innovation ecosystem. Additionally, Shapiro was inducted into the Academy of Digital Television Pioneers and received its highest award as the industry leader most influential in advancing HDTV.

WITSA Chairman Dato' Dr. Sean Seah expressed his admiration, stating, "Gary Shapiro's dedication to fostering innovation and his leadership in the technology sector have been truly transformative. His work has not only propelled the industry forward but also inspired countless individuals and organizations to pursue excellence in technology."

WITSA CEO Dato' Dan E. Khoo added, "We are honored to present the Eminent Person Award to Gary Shapiro. His visionary leadership and commitment to advancing technology have made a profound impact on the global stage. This recognition is a testament to his enduring contributions to the industry."

“I’m thrilled to receive WITSA’s Eminent Person Award!” said Shapiro. “Technology has the power to solve big global challenges, and this award is a testament to CES as a platform for the conversations, relationship-building, and moments of serendipity that move innovation forward.”

Started in 2010, WITSA established its highest decoration called the WITSA Eminent Person Award to honor and recognize those individuals who have made a significant and profound positive difference in the lives of others. These deserving individuals who have come from within the tech industry include the co-Fathers of the Internet Dr. Vinton Cerf and Dr. Bob Kahn, the Fathers of Wi-Fi Dr. John O'Sullivan and Dr. Terence Percival as well as Dr. Miguel Angelo Laporta Nicolelis, best known for his pioneering work surrounding brain-machine interface technology. Other recent inductees include Dato’ Hock E. Tan, President and CEO of Broadcom, and Dr. Lisa Su, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Advanced Micro Devices. And from the public sector leadership, which had given WITSA illustrious recipients like WITSA’s first Eminent Person Dr. Nelson Mandela and subsequent ones like Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia.  

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WITSA EMINENT PERSON AWARD

Mr Gary Shapiro

Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair, Consumer Technology Association

In 2025, WITSA proudly recognizes Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), as its Eminent Person Award recipient for his unparalleled contributions to the global technology ecosystem and innovation economy.

Gary Shapiro has been at the helm of CTA for over three decades, shaping it into the leading trade association for the $505 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. Under his leadership, CTA has become synonymous with CES®, the world's most powerful technology event, which showcases groundbreaking innovations and fosters global collaboration among tech leaders, governments, and entrepreneurs.

An accomplished author, thought leader, and advocate for technological progress, Gary Shapiro is a New York Times bestselling author, with books including “Pivot or Die,” “Ninja Future,” "Ninja Innovation," and "The Comeback," inspiring individuals and policymakers to embrace innovation as a catalyst for societal advancement. His relentless advocacy for free markets, global trade, and pro-innovation policies has significantly influenced tech policy worldwide, enabling technology to thrive as a force for good.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gary has dedicated himself to advancing diversity, sustainability, and accessibility within the tech sector. His efforts to promote emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, quantum and digital health have contributed to enhancing lives globally, earning him widespread recognition, including being named one of the most influential leaders in the tech industry by industry and media organizations alike.

Gary Shapiro’s lifelong dedication to advancing the global technology ecosystem embodies WITSA’s vision of leveraging innovation to improve lives and societies worldwide.