Master Builder Andy Powers has just been named President and CEO of Taylor Guitars.
Co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug will remain with the company as senior advisors while Powers will also continue as Taylor’s Chief Guitar Designer.
The announcement was made this week during a Taylor Primetime livestream featuring Powers, Taylor and Listug.
Powers will assume his new roles with immediate effect.
“When Bob and I started thinking about our succession many years ago, Bob was very clear that we needed a guitar maker at the helm of the company,” commented Listug.
“He was adamant he didn’t want to leave the leadership of the company in the hands of people who didn’t know how to design and make guitars.”
People love the guitars he’s putting out into the world
Bob Taylor
Powers has continuously advanced and expanded Taylor’s range of acoustic guitars since he stepped into the role of master guitar designer 2011.
From innovative bracing systems to new body styling, Powers has introduced a number of winning designs, consistently earning him accolades from guitar reviewers, including Guitar Player.
“It’s been amazing – but not surprising – to see how the guitar world has embraced Andy as a guitar designer,” remarked Bob Taylor. “People love the guitars he’s putting out into the world.”
In 2018, Powers was named an ownership partner, highlighting Taylor and Listug’s long-term future aim of keeping guitar making the firm’s central focus.
Last year, the company revealed its transition to complete employee ownership, something Powers, Taylor and Listug feel is the best of course of action when it comes to preserving Taylor’s unique culture of innovation.
It’s an honor to step into this new role
Andy Powers
Speaking of his new position Powers concluded, “It’s an honor to step into this new role.
"It’s been a real thrill to be part of this amazing company, now fully employee-owned, and continue advancing according to our original purpose – which is building great guitars, putting them into the hands of musicians and offering something of value to them."
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