Gibson President/CEO James Curleigh Out, Cesar Gueikian Named Interim CEO

Gibson Brands’ board of directors has appointed Cesar Gueikian as president/interim CEO, effective immediately. Gueikian succeeds James “JC” Curleigh, who is stepping down as president/CEO and will exit the company, including his role on the board. Curleigh has held the president/CEO role since November 2018.

Gueikin joined Gibson as chief merchant officer in 2018 and was promoted to brand president in 2021. Along the way, he has led solutions for brand momentum, product innovation, media evolution and artist relations, according to a press release.

“We are transitioning to new leadership at a time of strength to ensure the company continues its momentum and is well-positioned to execute on its next phase of growth,” said Nat Zilkha, chairman of Gibson’s board of directors, in a statement. “Cesar has played a huge role in the company’s recent success, including securing critical artist partnerships and overseeing the evolution of many of our most iconic product lines, and the Board has full confidence in his leadership.”

Zilkha continued, “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank JC for helping to return Gibson to its status as an iconic brand over the last five years. We are grateful for his leadership and contributions to our partners, customers, and the music industry, and we wish him the best in his next chapter.”

“I am honored to take on this important role with a company that means so much to me,” said Gueikian. “Gibson has shaped sound for the last 130 years, and we now have the opportunity to drive the future of music and touch people’s lives for the next 130 years. We have an obligation to continue innovating across instruments, sound, and media and to continue inspiring fans and artists of all levels to create music. I look forward to working closely with our experienced senior leadership and team of incredible craftspeople to ensure the long-term success of the business.”

In his own statement, Curleight said, “It has been a privilege to lead Gibson, and I’m tremendously proud of what we accomplished as a team. I am ready for my next challenge and want to thank the Board and the Gibson team for the opportunity to guide this company. I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the future.”

Gueikian previously co-founded the alternative asset manager Melody Capital Partners, which focuses on private corporate financing, restructuring and investing. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at UBS and Deutsche Bank. Gueikian is also a musician, guitarist and songwriter and has recorded alongside artists including Mana; Kirk Hammett and Rob Trujillo of Metallica; Rex Brown of Pantera; and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth.