Horizon Hobby Announces Passing of Chief Executive Officer Joseph Ambrose
The hobby lost a great industry leader and ambassador to our hobby - Joe Ambrose.
Horizon Hobby Chief Executive Officer Joseph Ambrose - 1957 -2019
The first time I met Joe was at a Horizon Hobby flying event. I was talking to David Payne and Joe walked up. I turned to him and said, "I think I know you, are you a writer? " He laughed and said no, stuck his hand out and said, "I'm Joe." Joe was a regular guy that happened to run one of the most successful hobby companies in the world. We have lost a great ambassador to our hobby.
From Horizon Hobby
It is with deep sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Joe Ambrose. Joe died in Champaign on January 4, 2019, at the age of 61. Longtime Horizon board member and Chairman of First Busey Corporation, Greg Lykins said, “With Joe’s passing, we have lost an amazing human being and visionary leader. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Joe have lost a dear friend and inspiring mentor.”
Joe joined Horizon Hobby in 2005 as the Vice President of Distribution. In 2008, Joe was named President and CEO. In 2014, Joe led the buyout of the Horizon ESOP with partners from Armory Capital and Mill City Capital. In 2018, Joe headed the acquisition of Hobbico’s RC assets, in the largest acquisition in industry history.
In addition to leading Horizon Hobby, Joe also served as a director of First Busey Corporation, a financial services company, since 1993. Before joining Horizon, Joe practiced corporate law for twenty years in Bloomington, IL.
Joe received a BS in Finance from the University of Illinois. He earned a Law Degree from Indiana University and an MBA degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
The executive leadership of Horizon Hobby will work closely with their board of directors during the transition.
We appreciate your respect for the privacy of the family during this difficult time.
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God rest his soul and give peace and comfort to his family.
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 Blue skies and calm winds. |
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Manuia le Malaga. Have a restful journey.
Thank you for your dedication to this hobby. |
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Safe journey Joe
Our heartfelt sympathies go to Joe's family, friends & colleagues at this time.
Rest in Peace Joshua 1:9 Your friend in Australia Bellair |
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Tribute video for Joe
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