Dive Brief:
- Bringing another new face to its C-suite, Guitar Center has appointed Adolfo Rodriguez as executive vice president and chief technology and information officer, effective immediately.
- Rodriguez reports to CEO Gabe Dalporto, the musical instrument retailer announced Tuesday. He will guide Guitar Center’s tech strategy and work to enhance the customer experience, per the company.
- Rodriguez has over 25 years of experience and joins the company from Advance Auto Parts where he oversaw tech advancements across e-commerce, stores, merchandising, inventory, pricing and supply chain. He also previously held senior leadership roles at Citrix and IBM.
Dive Insight:
With the hiring of a new head of technology, Guitar Center continues to shake up its executive leadership team. Last fall, the company named Dalporto as its new CEO, replacing former CEO Ron Japinga. Tim Martin, who previously served as the company’s CFO from 2012 to 2022, also returned to the chief financial position at that time. Along with its new CFO and CEO, the retailer also named Ken Hicks as chairman of the company’s board.
The leadership changes continued into this year. In March, Guitar Center named Kristin Shane as its executive vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer, bringing with her prior experience at PetSmart and Target. In May, the company appointed Michael Martin as executive vice president of retail sales and operations, putting him in charge of the company’s store operations and customer service.
Rodriguez said his new role will offer the chance to combine his professional expertise and personal experience as a musician.
“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,” Dalporto said in a statement. “His expertise in core retail systems and processes and his passion for transforming the customer experience make him a perfect fit at Guitar Center.”
The changes in the Guitar Center’s C-suite come in the years following its bankruptcy. In late 2020 the company exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy with two additional owners: Brigade Capital Management and The Carlyle Group. Under the reorganization plan, the retailer re-emerged with new debt capital, new equity and more liquidity.
