I’m sorry to report that highly esteemed marketing and PR executive Peter Hoagland has died. The cause of his death was Glioblastoma (cancer of the brain), an illness he fought since his retirement four years ago. Hoagland’s 40+ year career in consumer electronics – where he helped an almost uncountable number of brands achieve greater success – has resulted in his influence reaching far and wide throughout our industry. Many industry folks know Peter and know him well, as evidenced by the many tributes to him popping up all over social media.
Learn more about the life of Peter Hoagland
Like many of you, I knew Peter Hoagland personally and was touched by his passing. He possessed a truly unique personality – a consummate professional, very detail-oriented…almost obsessive at times…urbane, easy to talk to, and had a deep and thoughtful intellect.
We both shared a love of strategy and he is one of the few public relations executives who would regularly call me up to query my take on a given issue. Many times, Peter would reach out to me after reading the latest Strata-gee newsletter where a story there had surfaced an issue that he felt may have an industrywide impact and wanted to discuss with me in deeper detail.
An Intellect for Debate…And An Impish Sense of Humor
As I said, Peter had a deep intellect, and our conversations would often quickly intensify from light “shop talk” into a much deeper discussion of issues and their impact. Sometimes even, these discussions would turn into more of a debate than a discussion. We didn’t always agree, but true to his personality, the conversations would always stay cordial.
At the same time, Peter had an impish sense of humor. Many times, I would answer my phone to hear a strange, Japanese-sounding voice say, “Moshi moshi…Ted-san.” He got so good at this impersonation that at times, he could carry this on for a minute or two, raising some extraneous issue…until it dawned on me that this was Peter. It was an inside joke, as we both had worked for Japanese companies, me at Onkyo and he for Canon. Peter liked to laugh, and he liked to rouse laughter from others.
Launched Peter Hoagland & Associates in the Early 2000s
Earlier in his career, Peter had worked in various marketing roles for brands like Audio Technica, KEF, and Russound. Then, in the early 2000s, he launched his own company, Peter Hoagland & Associates, a public relations agency.
While his PR firm took on a variety of clients at all levels of the consumer electronics business, Hoagland had a real predilection for specialty and high-end audio and maintained a long-term client relationship with Lenbrook (NAD, Bluesound, PSB), as well as stints of differing lengths with other clients such as NEAR Products, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Meridian, QUAD, and many, many more.
Among other endeavors, Peter was an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
A Sincere Client Tribute Upon Retirement
When Peter retired in 2021, Lenbrook put out a release that was as much a tribute to him, as it was an announcement about the appointment of a new agency.
Peter has been a respected colleague of Lenbrook’s in the audio industry since the early 1980s when we first met him – his reputation is unparalleled. I speak for the entire senior leadership team at Lenbrook when I say that his professionalism and upbeat attitude will be missed and that we will reflect on how very fortunate we’ve been to have had his marketing and PR expertise working for our brands over the past decade.
Stephen Baker, Lenbrook Americas, Lenbrook International Appoints OLEX Communications, January 6, 2021
Surviving Family; Celebration of Life TBA
Peter is survived by his wife Peggy, his beloved cats Alfie and Hedda, brother William (Susan), sister-in-law Joan, nieces and nephews Brad (Kim), Tiffany, Susan, Jim (Sarah), David (Kim), and grandnieces Kayla (Kenan), Faith, Isabelle (Diego), Salaia, and Charlotte.
The family has said that instead of a memorial service, a celebration of Peter’s life will be held in Warrenton, Virginia, at a date to be announced later.
In Lieu of Flowers…
Finally, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to:
- Animal Rescue: Fauquier SPCA (Donations – Fauquier SPCA) [See website at this link…]
- Glioblastoma Research at University of Virginia: Dr. Camilo Fadul Research 22178. Checks can be made out to Rector and Visitors of UVA and mailed to UVA Health, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, Iowa 50037, or by visiting Donation ● University of Virginia ● GiveCampus, noting the fund designation (Dr. Camilo Fadul Research 22178) and that the gift is being made in memory of Peter Hoagland
Rest in peace, my friend…
It’s sad to hear about all the great members of the CE community who helped shaped the audio industry. Peter was a great guy with a wealth of talent. He will be missed by many.
Peter was a true gentleman. He represented his clients well and was both inquisitive and fun to talk to. We spoke often about industry issues and topics farther afield. I will deeply miss our chats and laughs together. Condolences to Peggy and the family.
“Hasta Lumbago, Peter!”