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Myer To Take On Yacoubian’s Role

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 [email protected].

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.”

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