Medford, OR — Harry & David Holdings, Inc. has named Craig Johnson its new chief executive officer, effective October 25, 2011. He will be based in Medford, Ore. Johnson, who previously served as CEO of Musician's Friend, succeeds Kay Hong, who has been serving as Harry & David’s interim CEO since February 2011. Hong will continue with the company through the end of the calendar year to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Craig to Harry & David,” says Hong. “Craig is a talented executive with nearly 25 years of multi-channel retail experience and a proven track record in numerous senior leadership roles.”

Most recently, Johnson served as chief supply chain officer of Guitar Center, where he was responsible for all supply management, global sourcing, inventory planning, distribution, fulfillment, logistics and transportation management activities. Prior to this role, Johnson spent 12 years at Musician’s Friend, a subsidiary of Guitar Center, where he rose from vice president to CEO. Earlier in his career, Mr. Johnson held key marketing and merchandising positions at Oriental Trading Company; Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc.; Coldwater Creek Inc.; the Austad Company; and Music Sound Exchange, a Time Warner Company

Harry & David Holdings, Inc. has 67 stores across the country. For more information, visit www.harryanddavid.com.