Myer To Take On Yacoubian's Role
Yacoubian's post with CEA uncertain
Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 7/7/2009
Gaithersburg, Md. - MyerEmco CEO Jon Myer has no plans to replace former president and COO Gary Yacoubian, who formally leaves the company next Monday.
"Gary's replacement is me," said Myer, who has assumed the additional title of president.
Myer had previously focused on the company's strategic direction and marketing and custom-installation functions, but became more involved in operations last summer as the economy began to sour.
"I jumped in with both feet," he told TWICE. "I want my hands on the controls."
Myer lauded Yacoubian for his contribution to the business over the past 21 years, but said the company couldn't accommodate two presidents.
Yacoubian, who became chairman of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in January, will retain the volunteer post for the immediate future. However, CEA bylaws require that directors work for member companies, and whether Yacoubian will continue to head the trade group's board "depends on Gary's plans," said Jason Oxman, CEA's industry affairs senior VP. "He's still our chairman, and we appreciate his long service."
Yacoubian said he has no regrets about leaving MyerEmco. "It's been an awesome ride," he told TWICE.
Yacoubian joined the specialty A/V dealer 21 years ago as a sales associate to help pay his way through graduate school. A self-professed musicphile, he ultimately remained with the chain after earning his MBA, and was successively promoted to store manager, sales VP and, in 2005, president.
Yacoubian said CE "is in my blood," and plans to stay within the industry. He will remain at MyerEmco headquarters during the transitional period, and can also be reached at gyacoubian72@gmail.com.
Myer said one of his first orders of business is to get back up to speed on product knowledge. Going forward, he is planning a "course correction" for the business, and intends to announce the strategic changes at International CES in January. "There are some areas we need to strengthen," he said.
While Myer was mum on details, the plans won't include additional stores. "We may move one or two, but we have nine locations now and that covers the D.C. market pretty well."
Myer added that his Washington trading area has held up better than other markets around the country, and that while the local housing industry "has taken a hit, it's not horrible."
Myer Succeeds Yacoubian At MyerEmco
07/19/2009Yacoubian Out At MyerEmco
03/15/2010Yacoubian Joins Monster
08/19/2009CEA FinalizingMajaps DetailsFor 2011 CES
03/08/2010Retailers Mixed On Extension
03/15/2010
VIEW ALL GALLERIES