Guitar Center, Inc. today announced a management succession plan to be implemented during the fourth quarter of 2010. Under this plan, Greg Trojan, presently President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Trojan will also remain a member of Guitar Center’s Board of Directors. Marty Albertson, presently Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, will step down as Chief Executive Officer but will remain as non-executive Chairman of the Board.

"I am thrilled to take on the role of non-executive Chairman." said Albertson. "This will allow me to pursue many other interests and still contribute to Guitar Center in a strategic capacity."

"I asked Greg to join the Guitar Center team nearly three years ago as part of my effort to groom a successor for the CEO role, and my confidence in his ability to successfully lead the company was critical to my decision to change my role at this time. Further, Greg has a thorough knowledge of our culture, values and industry."

"I am excited to be assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer at this point in Guitar Center’s history," said Trojan. "With the company’s strong management team and with the investments we have made in both our infrastructure and our people, we are well positioned to grow online and through our brick and mortar network. Accordingly, we plan on resuming opening new Guitar Center retail stores in 2011."