Advance Auto exec joins C-suite at Guitar Center
Guitar Center has named a tech expert who is also the founding member of a rock band as its next technology chief.
The musical instrument retailer has appointed Adolfo Rodriguez as executive VP, chief technology and information officer, effective immediately. He will be responsible for the end-to-end technology vision and execution for Guitar Center, while leveraging disruptive technologies to reimagine the customer experience.
Rodriguez joins Guitar Center from Advance Auto Parts, where, as senior VP, technology transformation from 2018 to 2024, he spearheaded innovative technological advancements across various functions, including e-commerce, stores, merchandising, inventory, pricing and supply chain.
Prior to Advance, Rodriguez held senior leadership positions at Citrix and IBM. At Citrix, he led a cross-functional team responsible for the platform, business systems, and essential tools and features for cloud services and products. At IBM, he ascended through multiple roles to become the CTO of his product group.
“Adolfo’s extensive experience and exceptional ability to harness emerging technologies make him a phenomenal addition to Guitar Center as we forge ahead with our transformation,” said Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto. “His expertise in core retail systems and processes and his passion for transforming the customer experience make him a perfect fit at Guitar Center.”
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A musician and a humanitarian, Rodriguez co-founded Mind the Gap, a rock band dedicated to performing exclusively at charity events. With a mission to raise funds and awareness for various worthy causes, the group has raised nearly $250,000 to date, benefiting over 15 different non-profit organizations.
“I am thrilled to join Guitar Center at such a pivotal time in its history,” said Rodriguez. “As a passionate musician and advocate for leveraging technology to drive business growth, I am eager to blend my professional expertise with my personal experience. I look forward to evolving Guitar Center’s customer engagement and workplace processes through technology.”
Guitar Center is a leading retailer of musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the United States, with more than 300 stores across the U.S. and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry.
Additionally, Guitar Center’s sister brands include Music & Arts, which operates more than 250 stores specializing in band & orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, parents and students, and Musician’s Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the U.S.
