Omnichannel
Guitar Center taps Michael Martin as retail sales VP
May 15, 2024
Michael Martin has been named executive vice president of retail sales and operation for Guitar Center Inc.
Martin will oversee and manage every facet of Guitar Center store operations and customer service excellence. He will report to CEO Gabe Dalporto, according to a press release. Prior to joining Guitar Center, Martin held leadership roles at major retailers including Staples, Fanatics, and Wayfair.
"Guitar Center is in the middle of reimagining the magic of the in-store experience for our customers, and Michael's extensive experience driving innovation and execution in omnichannel retail stores will accelerate that transformation," Dalporto said in the release. "With a deep understanding of retail, coupled with his exceptional operational acumen and agility in navigating market shifts, Michael will be an invaluable addition to our team."
Martin will lead Guitar Center's stores network, guiding initiatives across its 300-plus stores and leading a team of 6,000 employees, including retail store operations associates, music instrument repair technicians and lessons instructors. Martin arrives at a pivotal moment for Guitar Center as the retailer implements its strategy to revamp the in-store experience for its customers.
"I'm thrilled to join Guitar Center — a legendary company — in its next phase of growth," Martin said in the release. "I am committed to fostering innovation and elevating operational excellence across Guitar Center's diverse sales channels and look forward to working closely with our retail associates as we continue Guitar Center's transformative journey to provide exceptional experiences to our customers."
