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Treat the company like it is your own. Everyone is accountable and responsible not only for their work but for the instruments and services we provide to the musical community, our partners and each other.
Work hard, play harder. Live to play embodies our passion for music and culture we choose to build together. We are driven to help everyone express themselves through music.
We are at our best when we work, listen, and collaborate together. Anyone can contribute a great idea. We embrace Diversity, as diverse perspectives and experiences lead to better discussions, decisions, and results for everyone. Our relationships with artists, educators, and the broader music community are vital to spread the love of music.
Continuous improvement and experimentation is in our DNA. We are the culmination of hundreds of years of learnings and innovation. By refusing to rest on our laurels, we will continue to be leaders.
Family is everything. As the oldest family business in the US, we know that nothing we do is possible without our entire family of diverse musicians, employees, partners, artists, and educators. Our family is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
The leader in cymbals dating back to 1623, Zildjian has been at the forefront of instrument-making for centuries. Zildjian continues to follow the music and deliver the best instruments and tools to deliver your sound.
For 60 years, Vic Firth has focused on developing and manufacturing your perfect pair, becoming the world's most popular drumsticks, mallets, alternative implements, and accessories offering the best durability, feel, and sound options across the widest variety of genres and style.
Providing solutions to percussionists' problems in a straightforward way, Balter has developed essential keyboard instrument mallets for musicians dialing into their sound, and offering more nuanced options for those that want to expand and explore. These efforts and dedication to the craft established Balter as the leading mallet manufacturer world-wide.
Phone: 1-800-229-8672
22 Longwater Drive
Norwell, MA 02061
United States
Los Angeles/ United States
Los Angeles
United States
London / United Kingdom
London
United Kingdom
Singapore
Singapore
Executive Chair / President
In 1976, Craigie Zildjian joined her father (Armand) and grandfather (Avedis) in the family business. This was the first time three generations of Zildjians would work side by side in the family cymbal business. In another first, Craigie became the first woman to be appointed CEO of the company in 1999, a position she held for 20 years.
An active member in the musical community, Craigie has served on the New England Conservatory Board and the NAMM International Music Products Association Board, and is a Trustee Emeritus of Berklee College of Music. Currently, Craigie serves on the Advisory Panel for the National Black Musicians Coalition
Craigie has a daughter, Samantha.
CEO
John joined Zildjian as CEO in 2017 after a series of senior leadership roles at IdeaPaint, Ocean Spray, and Gillette. Since joining the Zildjian, John has had a major impact on the development and execution of the roadmap for growing our family of brands including Zildjian, Vic Firth, and Balter Mallets. John is passionate about everything Zildjian and importantly the impact our products have in helping musicians of all ages and skill levels to express themselves.
Member Of The Board Of Directors, Formerly Senior Vice President Of Human Resources.
Debbie’s career at Zildjian started in the factory, where she was taught the proprietary process for the secret alloy by her father Armand. Shortly thereafter, she assumed responsibility for that process, and continues in that oversight role to this day.
For the past twenty-two years, Debbie has been responsible for Zildjian’s Human Resources function. As such, she played a critical role in the integration of the Vic Firth and Balter acquisitions.
Debbie has two daughters, Cady and Emily, both 15th Generation shareholders.
Member of the Board of Directors
Cady is a 15th generation shareholder. She is the daughter of Debbie Zildjian and the granddaughter of Armand Zildjian.
In 2002, Cady received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University. After graduation, she began her career at SmartPak, a rapidly growing supplier of supplements and accessories for performance show horses. At SmartPak, Cady advanced through various roles, eventually becoming a Senior Account and Equine Pharmacy Manager.
Cady joined the Zildjian Company in 2007 as a Business Development Coordinator. In 2016, Cady pursued an MBA education from the FW Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College, where she focused on marketing and entrepreneurship.
Upon completing her MBA, Cady was appointed to the Zildjian Board of Directors.
Cady has two daughters, Emilia and Maisie.
Member of the Board of Directors
Emily is a 15th generation shareholder. She is the daughter of Deborah Zildjian and the granddaughter of Armand Zildjian.
In 2004, Emily received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehigh University. She began her career as a Marketing Assistant at Converse Footwear and Apparel and shortly there after joined the Zildjian Company. After completing a cymbal making apprenticeship, she progressed to become a Finish Lathe Operator and Cymbal Tester.
Currently, Emily is Property Manager for the Equestrian Real Estate business which she and her husband own. She is a nationally ranked equestrian, who continues to compete on the Show Jumping Circuit.
She has two children, Lillian and Colton.
Member of the Board of Directors
Samantha is a 15th generation shareholder. She is the daughter of Craigie Zildjian and the granddaughter of Armand Zildjian.
In 2011, Samantha graduated from Babson College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. She started her career as a Supply Chain Analyst at Talbots Inc., a specialty retailer of women’s clothing. In 2012, Samantha joined Keurig Green Mountain Coffee as a Supply Planner, progressing to Supply Planning Team Leader and ultimately Supply Chain Productivity Manager.
Samantha was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2023.
She is the mother of two daughters Bridget and Faye.
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