Gibson to consolidate its piano divisions

Gibson Guitar Corp., world renown producer of musical instruments, today announced the consolidation of its piano divisions worldwide. The piano divisions include Baldwin Piano U.S., Baldwin Zhongshan China, Baldwin Dongbei China and Gibson China Shanghai. The consolidation was announced today by Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz.

The Baldwin Piano company established in 1862 has become a symbol of American craftsmanship and is part of the Gibson family of brands. Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio by D.H. Baldwin, the company made its first vertical (upright) pianos in 1890 and its first grand pianos in 1895. The company continues to be America’s leading piano maker and offers Custom Grand pianos such as the BB King Custom model, Howard Grands and the Concert Master System. Most recently, Baldwin announced innovative online lessons called “My Little Baldwin” which has proven to help children increase both math and reading skills. For more information on Baldwin Piano go to www.baldwinpiano.com

“The business potential under our new consolidation plan is tremendous for both the company and our customers,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp. “Our efforts will continue to emphasize new product and technology development across all piano brands with expansion for greater market growth worldwide.”

William Zhou, currently President of Gibson China in Shanghai, has been appointed CEO of the Piano Group for Gibson Guitar Corp. Zhou first joined the company in 2002 and is an accomplished concert pianist. Prior to joining Gibson, Zhou served as Marketing Director for Yamaha Trading Shanghai. He also held positions as Marketing Director for O.E.S. in Anaheim, California, Vice President BHI in Hong Kong and was the owner of Donnly Imports, also in California. He obtained a Masters of Arts & Music from the University of Missouri. Zhou will oversee the consolidated divisions globally, effective immediately. The consolidation effort will ensure that the company will continue to offer a full line of pianos both in the domestic and international marketplace and provide consistent growth as part of its long term strategy.

Also announced today, was the appointment of Anne Petty as interim General Manager of Baldwin Piano U.S. in Trumann, Arkansas. Petty has been with the company since 2005 and is a native of Arkansas. With over 20 years in manufacturing and experience in the management of the Trumann plant, Petty will report to Zhou on all aspects of operations and production. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Arkansas State University.

Gibson Guitar Corps’ family of piano brands include D.H.Baldwin, Howard, Hamilton, Chickering, Wurlitzer, J&C Fischer, Nordiska, Sunshine and others. The division’s artists include Ben Folds, Diane Schuur, Dave Brubeck, Seiji Ozawa, Arthur Hanlon, Marion McPartland and numerous others. For more information on Gibson Guitar go to www.gibson.com. The company piano portfolio can be viewed at www.baldwinpiano.com