Guitar Center Announces New CEO

Guitar Center Inc. will have a new CEO starting in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Westlake Village-based music equipment retailer announced. President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Trojan is set to become the company’s CEO and will remain on its board of directors. Trojan replaces current CEO, Marty Albertson, who also serves as the board’s chairman. Albertson plans to continue his role on the board. “I asked Greg to join the Guitar Center team nearly three years ago as part of my effort to groom a successor for the CEO role, and my confidence in his ability to successfully lead the company was critical to my decision to change my role at this time,” Albertson aid. “Further, Greg has a thorough knowledge of our culture, values and industry.” Trojan said he looks forward to future growth of the company. “With the company’s strong management team and with the investments we have made in both our infrastructure and our people, we are well positioned to grow online and through our brick and mortar network.” The company plans to resume opening new Guitar Center retail stores in 2011, he added. Jessica Selva