Photo credit: Glenn Francis / CC from 4.0
Following the departure of CEO James “JC” Curleigh, Gibson Brands announces a significant leadership change, appointing Cesar Gueikian, the company’s Brand President, as President and interim CEO, effective immediately.
Gibson Brands, the most recognized guitar brand in the world, has announced this appointed The company’s brand president, Cesar Gueikian, is named president and interim CEO. Gueikian succeeds James “JC” Curleigh, who has served as President and CEO of Gibson since November 2018.
Gueikian has joined Gibson He was named the company’s chief merchant officer in 2018 and was named brand president in 2021. In these roles he was instrumental in Gibson’s resurgence and defining a new corporate strategy around instruments, sound and expansion into media. With a lifelong passion for music and guitars, Gueikian brings 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, financier and investor.
“I’m honored to take on this important role at a company that means so much to me,” said Gueikian. “Gibson has shaped sound for the past 130 years, and we now have an opportunity to advance the future of music and touch people’s lives for the next 130 years.”
“We have a commitment to continue to drive innovation in instruments, sound and media, and to continue to inspire fans and artists of all levels to create music.” I look forward to working closely with our experienced leadership and team of incredible craftsmen, to ensure the long-term success of the company.”
Before joining Gibson, Gueikian co-founded Melody Capital Partners, an alternative wealth manager focused on financing, investing and restructuring private companies. Under his leadership, Melody has grown from an initial investment of $100 million to over $1.5 billion in assets under management.
“We are transitioning to new leadership at a time of strength to ensure the company continues its momentum and is well positioned to execute on its next phase of growth,” added Nat Zilkha, Gibson’s CEO. “Cesar has been instrumental in the company’s recent success, including in securing key artist partnerships and overseeing the development of many of our best-known product lines, and the Board has every confidence in his leadership.”
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank JC for helping make Gibson an iconic brand again over the past five years,” Zilkha continues. “We are grateful for his leadership and contributions to our partners, customers and the music industry and wish him well in his next chapter.”
“It has been a privilege to lead Gibson and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team,” said Curleigh. “I am ready for my next challenge and would like to thank the board and the Gibson team for the opportunity to lead this company. I look forward to seeing everything they will achieve in the future.”