PRS names its first-ever CEO — a guy who started in the woodshop in 1985
Jack Higginbotham, PRS's president for 15 years, takes the newly created role while founder Paul Reed Smith stays on as Managing General Partner.
Jul 27, 2026
Credit: PRS Guitars
PRS Guitars has named Jack Higginbotham as its first Chief Executive Officer in the company's history — a new title, not a replacement for founder Paul Reed Smith, who remains involved as Managing General Partner. Higginbotham joined PRS in 1985, the company's first year, starting on the woodshop floor, and has since worked through operations, purchasing, sales, customer service, marketing, and artist relations before spending the last 15 years as president.
In the CEO role, Higginbotham keeps overseeing PRS's day-to-day global operations, including regular travel to work directly on manufacturing, dealer relationships, and vendor connections. Creating a CEO title after four decades without one is itself notable for a company that's stayed closely identified with its founder's name since 1985.
Why it matters
Handing day-to-day authority to someone who's been there since day one, rather than bringing in an outside executive, suggests PRS wants continuity through this transition rather than a change in direction.
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