Carsten Trads, the president of the Chattanooga-based amplified phone maker Clarity for the past 11 years, announced today he will retire on May 15.
Trads is stepping down to return home to his native Denmark to lend support to a family health issue.
Clarity was formed in 1969 by BellSouth engineer Wesley Walker in Ringgold, Ga., and was acquired by Plantronics in 1986.
Ken Kannappan, CEO of Plantronics, said his company has engaged a national executive search firm to identify potential succesors to Trads, who Kannappan praised as "both an incredible leader and phenomenal person.
"He's not only successfully grown Clarity as a business but the groundbreaking products that have been developed under his watch have improved the quality of life for millions throughout the U.S.," Kannappan said.
Under Trads' leadership, Clarity has launched a variety of intelligent amplified telephone and other communication devices to help millions of people with hearing loss, low vision, limited mobility, dexterity issues and other health challenges.
Trads helpd launch Digital Clarity Power, the first digital amplification-similar to hearing aids-for amplified phones; ClarityLogic, the first remote diagnostic service for phones; Ensemble, the first tablet-based amplified phone; and ClarityLife, a social and wellness platform connecting seniors with loved ones and caregivers.
"I am deeply proud to have served as Clarity's president for 11 wonderful years," Trads said in a statement. "I've had the privilege to work alongside some amazing people at Clarity and Plantronics, a company that is determined to make the world a better place."