Guitar Center finds right note with former Best Buy exec

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Music retailer, Guitar Center, has announced that Mike Pratt has been appointed CEO and a member of the company's board of directors effective April 1. Pratt succeeds Marty Hanaka, the company's Interim CEO, who will remain on the board and assist in the transition.

Since 2008, Pratt has served as president and COO of Canadian consumer electronics retailers Best Buy Canada and Future Shop. He began his career more than 20 years ago with Future Shop, which was acquired by Best Buy Canada in 2001. During Pratt's tenure, Best Buy Canada grew from 165 to 275 stores and greatly expanded its e-commerce activities and web presence.

"There's no question that Guitar Center is North America's leader in musical instruments and related products, and there's a long legacy of success that I greatly admire," said Pratt. "Over the last few months, I've had the chance to look at the company even more closely, and I came away very impressed with its dynamic, multi-format business model with strong in-store and web-based brands. I'm excited about this opportunity and looking forward to working with Guitar Center's management team and dedicated associates to build the business at retail and online."