MEDFORD, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Harry & David Holdings, Inc., today announced that Craig Johnson has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective October 25th. He will be based in Medford, Oregon. Mr. Johnson, who previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Musician's Friend, succeeds Kay Hong, who has been serving as Harry & David’s Interim Chief Executive Officer since February 2011. Ms. Hong will continue with the Company through the end of the calendar year to ensure a smooth transition.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Craig to Harry & David,” said Kay Hong. “Craig is a talented executive with nearly 25 years of multichannel retail experience and a proven track record in numerous senior leadership roles. Craig is the ideal candidate for this position and we look forward to benefiting from his leadership and ecommerce, catalog and retail store expertise as we begin the upcoming holiday season and continue to implement Harry & David’s strategy for achieving long-term, profitable growth.”
Craig Johnson said, “I am excited to join Harry & David, a company with a rich history and an iconic brand. With its successful restructuring now complete, improved capital structure in place and an outstanding harvest and holiday gift selection, the Company is poised for a successful holiday season. I look forward to working with the Company’s talented employees to continue delivering the best-in-class gift experience and unparalleled customer service Harry & David is known for, and accelerating the positive momentum achieved through its turnaround efforts.”
Most recently, Mr. Johnson served as Chief Supply Chain Officer of Guitar Center, where he was responsible for all supply management, global sourcing, inventory planning, distribution, fulfillment, logistics and transportation management activities. Prior to this role, Mr. Johnson spent twelve years at Musician’s Friend, a subsidiary of Guitar Center, where he rose from Vice President to Chief Executive Officer. Earlier in his career, Mr. Johnson held key marketing and merchandising positions at Oriental Trading Company; Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc.; Coldwater Creek Inc.; the Austad Company; and Music Sound Exchange, a Time Warner Company.
“As we welcome Craig into his new role, the Board would like to recognize and thank Kay Hong for her outstanding work as interim CEO,” said George Majoros and Steve Lampe, Co-Chairmen of Harry & David’s Board of Directors. Ms. Hong also currently serves as a Managing Director for global restructuring firm Alvarez & Marsal. Mr. Majoros and Mr. Lampe continued, "Kay’s leadership was instrumental in achieving a successful restructuring. Thanks to her efforts and those of our exceptional management team, Craig is joining a stronger Harry & David that is well-positioned for long-term growth. "
About Harry & David Holdings, Inc.
Harry & David Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Medford, Oregon, is a multi-channel specialty retailer and producer of branded premium gift-quality fruit and gourmet food products and gifts marketed under the Harry & David®, Wolferman’s® and Cushman’s® brands. You can shop our products online at www.harryanddavid.com, www.wolfermans.com, and www.honeybell.com, or visit one of our 67 stores across the country.