Gibson names interim CEO as J.C. Curleigh steps down from company

Matthew Leimkuehler, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

J.C. Curleigh — the Gibson executive who led the Nashville-based guitar brand out of a financial tailspin before expanding its local footprint — has exited his role as CEO and president, the company said Tuesday.

Cesar Gueikian, who previously held positions of chief merchant officer and brand president, steps into the newly-vacated role. Gueikian serves as company president and interim CEO, a decision made by the Gibson board of directors.

"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,” said Nat Zilkha, chairman of Gibson’s board. “Cesar has played a huge role in the company’s recent success, including securing critical artist partnerships and overseeing the evolution of many of our most iconic product lines, and the [b]oard has full confidence in his leadership.”

Curleigh joined Gibson in 2018, after roughly $500 million in debt — largely from attempted expansion into consumer electronics and lifestyle branding — forced the company to enter bankruptcy. During Curleigh's tenure, Gibson revamped popular 1980s guitar brand Kramer, acquired popular amplifier line Mesa/Boogie and expanded non-profit initiatives combatting drug overdoses and aiding Ukrainian war efforts.

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Gibson Guitars CEO JC Curleigh and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson pose for a portrait at the Gibson Garage Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Alex Lifeson teamed with Gibson's philanthropic wing Gibson Gives to donate roughly $40,000 to Monroe Children's Hospital and Room at the Inn.
Gibson Guitars CEO JC Curleigh and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson pose for a portrait at the Gibson Garage Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Alex Lifeson teamed with Gibson's philanthropic wing Gibson Gives to donate roughly $40,000 to Monroe Children's Hospital and Room at the Inn.

In 2021, Gibson opened the Gibson Garage in downtown Nashville. The first-of-its-kind showroom and event space hosts intimate fan events, houses a custom shop and displays pieces of guitar history.

“It has been a privilege to lead Gibson, and I’m tremendously proud of what we accomplished as a team,” Curliegh said in a statement. “I am ready for my next challenge and want to thank the Board and the Gibson team for the opportunity to guide this company. I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the future.”

Cesar Gueikian, Gibson Brand President, stands in front of an assortment of acoustic guitars in the backstage lounge at the new Gibson Garage on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn.
Cesar Gueikian, Gibson Brand President, stands in front of an assortment of acoustic guitars in the backstage lounge at the new Gibson Garage on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Gueikian, who also joined the company in 2018, played leading roles in launching Gibson TV — an essential online channel for players during the pandemic and beyond — and Gibson Records, the brand's label partnership with music company BMG. In the years post-bankruptcy, he led the growth of artist-centered Les Paul and SG models, among others.

A lifelong guitarist, Gueikian has played a who's-who of rock and metal musicians: Megadeth's Dave Mustaine, Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Judas Priest's Richie Faulkner, to name a few.

"Gibson has shaped sound for the last 130 years, and we now have the opportunity to drive the future of music and touch people’s lives for the next 130 years," he said in the release. "We have an obligation to continue innovating across instruments, sound, and media and to continue inspiring fans and artists of all levels to create music."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Gibson guitars begins leadership transition, names interim CEO