Transworld Entertainment appoints veteran exec to board

Albany, N.Y. -- Veteran retail executive Martin Hanaka has been appointed to the board of directors of Trans World Entertainment. Hanaka recently was the interim CEO of Guitar Center, Inc. from January 2013 to April 2013.



Previously, Hanaka served as the chairman of Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. from April 2007 to November 2012 and was the CEO from June 2008 to November 2012. From September 1998 to August 2003, Hanaka served as the CEO of The Sports Authority Inc. and served as chairman from November 1999 through June 2004. From August 1994 to October 1997, he served as the president and COO of Staples Inc. and served as a member of the board of directors.



He is currently a director of Guitar Center and has served on a dozen public and private boards of directors, including Trans World's from 1998 through 2009. During his prior tenure on the company's board, he served in various roles including presiding director and chairman of the compensation committee.



"Marty Hanaka brings extensive retail experience and a history of strong leadership to the company's board of directors," said Robert J. Higgins, chairman and CEO of Trans World Entertainment. "His experience and knowledge makes him an important addition to our team. I am pleased to have Marty back on our board and look forward to working with him."