Full Compass Systems Hires Craig Johnson as CEO

	Craig Johnson, Full Compass

Full Compass announces its recent hire of Craig Johnson, who will join the company as chief executive officer. In his role as CEO, he will be responsible for setting the future strategy and direction of Full Compass Systems, as well as building and leading the senior executive team.

"Susan and I first met Craig Johnson 16 years ago," says Jonathan Lipp, co-founder of Full Compass. "We both had an immediate sense of comfort and respect which has only been reinforced over the years. Our discussions regarding business philosophy always left me with valuable and interesting insights, which have led us to pursuing working together in some context. The stars have aligned, we have created the right opportunity and we couldn't be happier. We feel privileged to announce that Craig is joining our team in the role of CEO."

Johnson concurred. "I am very excited to join Full Compass Systems, a company with such a rich history and great brand in the professional audio, video, and lighting industry. The company is well poised for continued market growth and expansion. I look forward to working with Jonathan, Susan, and the talented management team and employees to continue delivering the unparalleled customer service Full Compass Systems is known for, and helping to accelerate growth in the direct, online, wholesale, and retail channels."

Johnson comes to Full Compass with many years of experience in the pro audio, video, lighting, and musical instrument markets. He spent more than 12 years at Musician's Friend, where he held several senior positions including president / COO and chief executive officer. He was then appointed chief supply chain officer of parent company, Guitar Center. He has also served as chief operating officer of Gibson Guitar, where he was responsible for the company's worldwide manufacturing operations.

Most recently, Johnson served as chief executive officer of Nasco, a leading direct marketer, manufacturer, and global distributor of educational, health, medical technology, quality control, and agricultural products. Prior to that, he was chief executive officer of Harry & David, a premium food and gift producer and retailer based in Medford, Oregon. Earlier in his career, Johnson held key marketing, merchandising and supply management positions at Oriental Trading Company, Golfsmith International, Coldwater Creek, The Austad Company, and Music Sound Exchange, a Time Warner Company. He has nearly 30 years of direct marketing and ecommerce experience and attended Iowa State University, where he majored in computer science.

Johnson will report to the company's owners, Susan and Jonathan Lipp, who will continue in their roles as co-chairs of the board of directors.