SEPT. 22 I GUITAR CENTER I PERSONNEL
Truesdale Named GC Board Chair

Guitar Center has added retail veteran Tony Truesdale as chairman of the board of directors. The current chairman, Norman Axelrod, will remain as member of the board.

Truesdale was previously CEO of Vitamin Shoppe before his retirement in 2015. During his time at Vitamin Shoppe, Truesdale helped drive long-term growth, increase EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and grow the number of retail stores from 300 to 800 nationwide. He was also instrumental in taking the company public in late 2009.

Prior to his time at Vitamin Shoppe, Truesdale worked for PetSmart from 1999-2006 in various marketing and merchandising roles. Prior to that, he served for 20 years in senior management, operating and merchandising roles at various supermarkets in England and the United States.

"We are pleased to have Tony as our new chairman," said Ron Japinga, president and CEO of Guitar Center. "With his 30 years of experience in retail, we look forward to the major contributions Tony will make to help us achieve our goals and grow our business."

"I am excited to assume the role of chairman of the board of directors for Guitar Center," Truesdale said. "Guitar Center is well-positioned to continue its growth, and I am looking forward to working with the team as it continues to build the retail and online businesses."

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