California Exotic Novelties has announced that Al Bloom, its hugely respected senior director of business affairs, is retiring. Bloom joined California Exotic Novelties in 2003 but his career in the US adult sector stretches back to 1979 and he will be missed by many in the industry who have come to know him over the years, including us here at ETO.
Susan Colvin, president and CEO of California Exotic Novelties, said: “It has been an honour and privilege to work with Al over the years. His charm, dedication, and wit will be missed around the office. We wish Al all the best in his retirement – however we refuse to say goodbye. We know Al will come back to visit often and we greatly appreciate that he’ll continue to consult for the company.”
Al Bloom is a graduate of Kent State University and has a BBA in marketing. During his early career from 1970 to 1976 he was the general manager for Capitol News Agency and from 1976 to 1978 he was the general manager of Sovereign News Company—now known as Transworld News, Inc. In 1979 he became the president, and then later the owner, of Caballero Home Video, which was once the largest film producer in the adult film industry. He was also the vice president and co-owner of another adult film label, Vidco Entertainment, from 1987 to 1993.
In 1993 Bloom moved to the novelty side of the industry as the marketing manager of Doc Johnson Enterprises before becoming a partner in distributor M&M Sales from 1998 to 2003. In 2003 he joined California Exotic Novelties as its marketing director and in 2012 he was promoted to senior director of business affairs. Bloom also served parallel positions at sister company Jopen from 2010 to date.
“I’ve developed so many friends in this wonderful industry and I am touched by everyone’s kind words as I step into retirement,” said Bloom. “Thank you for all the memories and I will think of you often while I’m teeing up on the golf course!”
Blooms notable achievements including receiving the 1989 Joel Warner “Good Guy” Award which was presented by the Adult Video Association and in 2003 he was the recipient of the “Industry Founder’s Award” by the Free Speech Coalition—a non-profit organization which Bloom helped found. In 2009 Bloom was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame and 2011 saw him honoured with the degree of Honoris Causa Doctor of Arts from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. In 2012 Al received the XBIZ Executive Leadership Award for the Novelty Industry.
Bloom is moving to Arizona with his wife.
“Everyone at California Exotic Novelties will miss the man that has served as their mentor and friend,” said the company.
Congratulations on your retirement, Al. It has been a pleasure.
