Gibson President and Chief Executive Officer Cesar Gueikian is to step back from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer and transition into a new role as strategic advisor to the Board at the end of July. Chief Commercial Officer Anne Rohosy will serve as interim President and CEO while the Board works to identify a permanent successor.
In addition to serving as a member of the Board, Gueikian will remain involved at Gibson, focusing on his work with the company’s artist community as global artist ambassador and as a ‘strategic thought partner’ to the leadership team.
‘For 13 years, Cesar has poured his passion, creativity and relentless commitment into Gibson,’ says Nat Zilkha, Executive Chairman of Gibson’s Board of Directors. ‘On behalf of the Board, we thank him for his transformative leadership and the important role he has played in rebuilding the foundation of the company.
‘Cesar came to us ready to step back from the day-to-day operating role and focus his energy where he has always been most passionate – working directly with artists and being close to the music. We are grateful that he will remain part of the Gibson family through his continued service as a Board member, strategic advisor, and artist ambassador.’
‘Gibson is part of my DNA; it has been the honour of my life to help lead Gibson and to work alongside the people who bring this Company to life every day,’ Gueikian responds. ‘Gibson is something special – to musicians, to fans, to everyone who has ever picked up a guitar and felt that connection. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together: our team, our culture, our artists, and our global community of artists and fans. I hope to have left a legacy that will be remembered in Gibson’s history as a progressive era. I have enormous confidence in Anne and in the future of this Company, and I look forward to my next chapter as a shareholder, Board member, and artist ambassador. Gibson’s best years are still ahead, and I’m excited to be part of what this Company will go on to achieve.’
‘I have spent my time here focused on how we connect with our customers and grow the Gibson name – and that focus does not change, Rohosy says. ‘I look forward to working closely with Cesar, the Board, and our leadership team to ensure continuity and build on the strong foundation already in place.’
‘Anne is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of Gibson, our brands, our customers and our people,’ Zilkha adds. ‘She has an outstanding record of building global businesses, developing strong teams and connecting iconic brands with consumers around the world, and the Board has full confidence in her ability to support a smooth transition.’