Retail vet Marty Hanaka joins Highland Consumer Partners as operating partner

Cambridge, Mass. -- Highland Consumer Partners, a growth-stage venture capital firm focused on the consumer sector, announced that retail executive Marty Hanaka joined the firm in August of this year as an operating partner.



Hanaka most recently was the interim CEO of Guitar Center, from January 2013 to April 2013.



Previously, he served as the chairman of Golfsmith International Holdings, from April 2007 to November 2012, and was CEO from June 2008 to November 2012.



From September 1998 to August 2003, he served as the chief executive officer of The Sports Authority, and served as Chairman from November 1999 through June 2004. He began his career at Sears Roebuck & Co., spending 20 years throughout the organization in various management capacities. He is currently a director of City Sports and Trans World Entertainment.



"Marty is an accomplished CEO with unparalleled experience in creating industry-leading operations," said Tom Stemberg, managing general partner with Highland. "His experience and track record leading several world-class retail businesses will be a valuable addition to our team as Highland seeks to invest in and help build the next great retailing brands



"I have worked with Tom Stemberg throughout my career, dating back to Staples and more recently with Highland's investments in Guitar Center and City Sports.,” said Hanaka. “Highland is a firm that has a strong history investing in growth-stage companies in the retail and consumer sectors. I am ready to contribute to the firm's evaluation of new opportunities, as well as help the portfolio execute on strategic growth initiatives."