Sports Authority chief to lead Guitar Center

Guitar Center has chosen retailing veteran Darrell Webb to be the company's new president and CEO. From 2011 to 2013, Webb served as chairman and CEO of the Sports Authority.



Webb has more than 30 years of experience in retailing and has led several multibillion dollar companies through periods of rapid growth.



"Given Darrell's extraordinary track record of success in growing and leading large, specialty retail companies, we are confident in his abilities to enhance Guitar Center's customer experience and further bolster the company's position as a world-class, omnichannel retailer in one of the most passion-driven retail categories," said David Kaplan, a member of Guitar Center's board of directors.



Between 2006 and 2011, Webb was chairman, CEO and president of Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, the largest fabric and craft retailer in the United States, which had record earnings during his leadership. Prior to Jo-Ann, Webb spent more than 20 years with Fred Meyer Inc. and the Kroger Co. At Kroger, Webb most recently served as president of Fred Meyer Stores from 2002 to 2006.



Guitar Center has more than 260 Guitar Center stores and 120 Music & Arts Center stores across the country, as well as a portfolio of direct-to-consumer brands (including Musician's Friend, Music123, and Woodwind & Brasswind).