Thomas Kurrer To Retire From Steinway & Sons
WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — - Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: LVB) today announced that Thomas Kurrer will retire from his position as President and CEO of Steinway & Sons Worldwide by the end of this year.
Mr. Kurrer has had an outstanding 23-year career at Steinway & Sons. He joined the company as Managing Director of Steinway Germany and undertook responsibility for Steinway's European and Asian-Pacific operations. During his tenure, Steinway established operations in both Japan and China and grew its retail piano operations in both Europe and the Americas. After his promotion to President Worldwide in 2008, Mr. Kurrer spearheaded Steinway's brand harmonization initiative, establishing consistency of the iconic brand's image across the globe.
Commenting on Mr. Kurrer's retirement, Michael Sweeney, CEO of Steinway Musical Instruments, said, "On behalf of our employees worldwide, I'd like to thank Thomas for his extraordinary leadership, particularly over the last five years. Thomas took the reins of Steinway & Sons just prior to the global economic downturn. His sound guidance through very challenging times helped the company emerge as the strong competitor it is today. Although Thomas' retirement has been planned for some time, he has agreed to consult for Steinway & Sons in 2013 and remains a member of Steinway Musical Instruments' Board of Directors."
Since Steinway Musical Instruments is in the process of evaluating strategic alternatives, the operational duties of President of Steinway Worldwide will be assumed by SMI CEO Michael Sweeney, with the regional heads of Steinway & Sons Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific reporting to him as of October 1, 2012.
About Steinway Musical Instruments
Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., through its Steinway and Conn-Selmer divisions, is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of high quality musical instruments. These products include Bach Stradivarius trumpets, Selmer Paris saxophones, C.G. Conn French horns, Leblanc clarinets, King trombones, Ludwig snare drums and Steinway & Sons pianos. Through its online music retailer, ArkivMusic, the Company also produces and distributes classical music recordings. For more information about Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. please visit www.steinwaymusical.com.
About Steinway & Sons
Since its founding in New York in 1853, Steinway & Sons has been considered the world's premier piano manufacturer. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, Steinway & Sons pianos are built in one of two company-owned and operated factories: Astoria, New York and Hamburg, Germany. Steinway & Sons pianos are still constructed primarily by hand, using many of the techniques developed over 160 years ago. Today, Steinway & Sons also offers the Boston and Essex piano lines, Listen, a magazine for music and culture lovers, and the Steinway & Sons record label. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.
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