Braun was founded by Max Braun, Frankfurt in 1921. By 1932 Braun had launched one of the first combined radio and record players. By the 1950s the company had diversified into other household appliances and accessories. In 1961 a young architect named Dieter Rams became Chief Design Officer – a position he would hold for 34 years.  Rams philosophy of “Less but better” guided the company through the second half of the twentieth century.