Managing Director EMEA

Gibson Inc., the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sound of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, Gibson Amps, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals.

Gibson believes there are two types of organizations. Those that work in a matrix, and those that are in denial. 

Job Summary

The Managing Director, EMEA (“MD EMEA”) will be responsible for leading Gibson’s sales first and foremost, and business operations, across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The MD EMEA will be based in Amersfoort, Netherlands, lives locally and leads the team daily from the office other than when traveling. This executive will drive revenue growth, enhance market share, and cultivate strong relationships with key retail partners while advancing Gibson’s DTC expansion. The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with a proven track record in managing international markets, scaling premium consumer brands, working in a matrix environment, and optimizing multi-channel distribution strategies. The MD EMEA will report to the Chief Commercial Officer and have active communication with the CEO. 

Essential Functions

• Establish, grow and manage regional commercial partnerships to win market share.
• Oversee P&L, budgeting, forecasting for the EMEA region, ensuring financial objectives are met working in a matrix environment with the global functions based in the United States.
• Forecast activities associated with customers & products. Maintains forecast models for customers incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from BDMs, marketing, retailer velocity & inventory turns reports, industry metric reports and other internal & external sources, leading to robust annual business plans.
• Identify market trends, consumer insights, and competitive dynamics to inform strategic decision-making and ensuring 4-P execution (Product/Place/Price/Promotion).
• Partner with the Gibson Leadership Team and drives the regional team to develop Europe Strategic Business Development Plan to support both the long-term vision and shorter term goals & objectives of the organization (maximizing market share, revenue growth, profitability growth and EBITA) in alignment with global vision and business objectives.
• Lead the European organization consisting of commercial, marketing, supply chain, finance and HR functions, while those functions work in a matrix with Gibson’s USA HQs.
• Leads the execution of plans to establish and maintain deep and lasting relationships with customers.
• Place the right people in the right seats to achieve and exceed plans.
• Expand and optimize the DTC channel while maintaining strong relationships with wholesale and retail partners.
• Drive operational excellence, supply chain efficiency, and customer satisfaction across all sales channels.
• Champion Gibson’s brand values and cultural heritage while fostering innovation and future growth.
• Leads with professional empathy.

Required Skills/Abilities

• 15+ years of leadership experience in consumer goods, music, or lifestyle brands’ sales, with a strong preference for premium or luxury brands.
• Proven track record in managing international markets, with deep expertise in the EMEA region.
• Experience driving DTC and e-commerce strategies, alongside traditional retail and wholesale distribution, as well as experience with driving distributors’ business models.
• Strong commercial acumen with P&L management expertise and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Passion for music, craftsmanship, and the creative industries.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business environment and lead transformational growth.



Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing or related field required, MBA Strongly preferred.
• Cross functional matrix experience (International Operations, Logistics, Legal, HR, Marketing and Finance).
• 10+ plus years of European business development at the executive level with multiple product lines
• Must be knowledgeable in local languages, laws and cultures as it pertains to international business success.
• Strong references on business experience and leadership. 

Personal Qualities 

• Passionate about working and winning in a team and matrix environment.
• Results oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plans.
• Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. 
• Able to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions in timely manner.
• Clear and logical thinker.
• Relish working in a company with a diverse, challenging, and fast paced environment.

Travel Requirements

• Travel extensively across the EMEA region to develop commercial relationships and drive business plans. 
• Travel to Gibson’s global headquarters in Nashville, TN, as needed.