Thomas Ripsam has been appointed as the new CEO at Martin Guitars.
Read about it here
Read about it here
New CEO at Martin
- Thread starter Brad Little
- Start date
geoguy
Senior Member
I don't follow that company . . . is a turnaround needed?
I don't think so. I have a 2013 000-17SM that's the best fingerstyle guitar I've ever played. Only thing I don't understand is why Martin discontinued the model.
Same concern expressed by a few over on the Acoustic Forum. There's also speculation that he is a place holder until 16 YO Claire Frances Martin is prepared to take the reins. It seems that at one point he said there's a reason she is C. F. Martin, so her name can be on the headstock in the future.
Would be curious about the need for a turnaround as well. As for the guy being a bean counter:
"An avid guitar player, Thomas collects fretted instruments and even took a sabbatical in 2019 to work with a luther (sic) to learn about the process of building acoustic guitars - in the style of Martin"
I kind of like the idea of proven business leader who is a guitar fan being the CEO, though I'd be curious to hear what sorts of qualifications people are looking for.
HeyMikey
Enlightened Member
I agree Coop. On the surface he seems like a good choice to take the helm at this time. A proven business leader who is also passionate about guitar…
It could very well be he is here to help keep the lights on, take over the day-to-day operations that CFM wants to back away from, while also mentoring the daughter.
It could very well be he is here to help keep the lights on, take over the day-to-day operations that CFM wants to back away from, while also mentoring the daughter.
Has there ever been anyone other than a Martin running the show?
At least he's a guitar player!
Nope. Most of the time that's worked out well. CMF IV's father was not a great CEO by most accounts (though he did get them into the string business). But other than that it's been a pretty remarkable run, IMO.
The '70s weren't their greatest era, but I say often that Martin has a tradition of greatness that few American companies can rival. It really has been a remarkable run.
Yes, that is amazing. And, indeed, while it's no surprise to see this kind of thing in other businesses, it's a unique event in Martin's history. Well, I hope it works out well for Martin.
SFIV1967
Venerated Member
Not a surprise, Chris Martin IV made the annoucement to step down already one year ago on Jul 16th, 2020:
guitar.com
Ralf
Chris Martin IV to step down as CEO of Martin Guitar
Chris Martin IV, after over three decades of leading his family business, has announced his plans to retire as CEO of Martin Guitar in July 2021.
guitar.com
Ralf
davismanLV
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16 is pretty young. Does Claire Frances Martin play guitar or do any music or what's she studying or ..... or what??
SFIV1967
Venerated Member
Pure speculation...A new CEO was named. What comes after him is pure speculation on certain guitar forums...
Ralf
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The parallels to appointing a regent in a hereditary monarchy are, however, noted.
^ And, while of course it's all pure speculation, the likelihood that that the new CEO will be replaced eventually with a Martin is a real possibility since it's a privately-held company. In a public company, fuggetaboudit.
adorshki
Reverential Member
Now that's nepotism at its finest.
He's even a player and collector so it's not just a suit/money guy but maybe someone with a passion for musical instruments as well. We s\hall see.
Hope this copies o.k. If not you can Google it I guess.
www.premierguitar.com
edit: merged Richard's thread here
Hope this copies o.k. If not you can Google it I guess.
C.F. Martin’s Chris Martin IV Assumes Executive Chairman Role As Company Appoints New CEO
Chris Martin IV steps into new position of Executive Chairman and the company appoints Thomas Ripsam as CEO.
www.premierguitar.com
edit: merged Richard's thread here
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