Back in 2014, I had the chance to video interview Chester J. Pipkin (AKA Chet Pipkin) on a trip he made to Australia, which I've embedded at the end of this article.

Pipkin is one of the legendary and original tech luminaries of the era that birthed Apple and Microsoft, and after 38 years in business, has grown to deliver power, protection, productivity, connectivity and audio solutions and products sold in over 50 countries worldwide, and incorporating brands such as Belkin itself, Linksys, Wemo and Phyn.

Since 2018, the company is merged with Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), in an acquisition by FIT valued at US$866 million which means the company that manufactures Belkin's products is effectively the same company that sells them to the world, and an obviously excellent union that brings forth a lot of synergies.

Now comes the next major transition for Belkin as founder Chet Pipkin steps down as CEO to become the Executive Chairman of the Board and appoints Steve Malony, former SVP and General Manager, to CEO of Belkin International.

Pipkin said: “I have been honored to lead Belkin for the past thirty-seven years, and I am extremely proud of how we have impacted the way the world works, lives and plays.

“I am proud to announce Steve Malony as my successor and have full confidence that he will beautifully and effectively lead Belkin into our next chapter through the combination of exceptional industry and leadership skills as well as a deep operational expertise,” concluded Pipkin.

While Pipkin focuses on his Executive Chairman and Board duties, we're told "he will continue to stay active and engaged with the business on a full-time basis. Steve Malony steps into the role of CEO having been an integral part of Belkin International for the past fifteen years. He spent time in a variety of roles across the organisation domestically and internationally affording him a deep understanding of the business globally".

Malony said: “While I have very big shoes to fill, I am honoured to step into the role of CEO of Belkin.

“I have been blessed to serve the company for a great portion of my career and the trust and confidence placed in me to lead it are not taken lightly. I am excited to enter a new chapter with Belkin with an intention to lead with devotion and a vision for a future that is crystal clear, positive and bright,” he concluded.

Here is iTWire's 2014 video interview with Chet Pipkin: