Leading video games retailer GameStop announced today that current Chief Financial Officer, David W. Carlson (who is actually the company's founding executive vice president and CFO), will be retiring as of March 1, 2010. Taking his place will be Catherine R. Smith, who apparently has an "exceptional record with public companies."
She was most recently CFO of Dallas-based Centex Corporation. She's also served as CFO of Kennametal, Inc., a global supplier of tooling, engineering components and advanced materials; Bell Systems, a business segment of Textron; and the Intelligence and Information Systems Business of Raytheon Company.
Carlson has played a major role in GameStop's huge growth since the company's inception in 1996, guiding it through several mergers and acquisitions. He will aid Smith as she transitions into the business.
"To leverage David’s experience, he will take an active part in the transition,” said Daniel D. DeMatteo, Chief Executive Officer of GameStop. “David has been one of my closest partners at GameStop. We have shared the difficulties of a small start-up and the accomplishments associated with the building of a multi-billion dollar company. He is committed to a smooth transition of this important role.”
“With Cathy’s appointment, we are pleased to bring in an executive of her caliber to our leadership team. I have the highest confidence that her skills and experience will deliver continued contributions toward our objectives of revenue growth, operational efficiency and profitability,” he added.
