Gerry Wirtz graduated at Eindhoven University of Technology in 1972 on Magneto Hydrodynamics 
(direct energy conversion). He started his career at the Philips Research Lab and worked since then in a 
variety of technical and commercial functions, within the area of electronic security systems. In 1987 he 
transferred to the Main Industry Group Consumer Electronics to set up the Digital Audio Tape (DAT) 
activity. From that position he initiated talks between the music industry and the consumer electronic 
industries on copy protection, based on his SGMS system. Complicated political negotiations, which 
lasted for more than two years ultimately resulted in the Athens Agreement in June 1989, where both 
industry sides agreed to jointly work on future systems to benefit both. The agreement was followed by 
extensive political lobbying in the USA, Europe and Japan and so far lead to the Audio Home 
Recording Act which past American legislation and a Directive in Japan.
His current position is General Manager of the Philips Copyright Office, involved in various copyright 
protection issues like DVD and protection of digital video content in the USA. Mr. Wirtz is Chairman 
of the European Association of Consumer Electronic Manufacturers (EACEM) copyright committee.