Hosa Technology, Inc., a leading supplier of audio, video, and data connectivity solutions, is pleased to announce two key appointments: Jon Croft has been named as the company’s new Director of Marketing, and Jason Lynn has been tapped as its new Brand Marketing Manager. 

Jon Croft brings a wealth of experience in music marketing and digital strategy to the Director of Marketing role, where he will lead the company’s marketing efforts to drive growth and brand awareness in the MI/Retail space while also reaching into new markets in the AV Pro Installation and Integration markets. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Jon to the Hosa team,” says Mayumi Allison, CEO of Hosa Technology. “His proven track record of success in developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns, combined with his passion for our industry and connecting with audiences, makes him the ideal person to lead our marketing department into the future.” 

Croft joins Hosa from idfive, a digital marketing agency, where he served as Media Account Manager, developing and implementing digital marketing and media strategies for a variety of clients. Prior to idfive, he held marketing and sales leadership positions at music product manufacturers Mojotone and Ovation Guitars. 

“As a longtime user of Hosa products, I am excited to join Hosa and contribute to the company’s continued success,” says Croft. “Hosa is a respected brand with a rich history in the music industry and production spaces, and I look forward to working with the talented team to develop and implement innovative marketing strategies that connect with customers and drive business growth.” 

Croft holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Maryland.

In his role as Brand Marketing Manager, Jason Lynn will be instrumental in driving the company’s brand development, content creation, and customer experience. 

Lynn brings to Hosa Technology a wealth of experience as an accomplished senior creative strategist specializing in art direction, branding, and graphic design. He is known for delivering impactful solutions that drive successful products and marketing campaigns. A collaborative leader, Lynn excels in orchestrating design initiatives. 

“Jason’s creative vision will be pivotal as we evolve our brand and enhance our customer experience in alignment with our strategic goals,” said Jon Croft, Director of Marketing at Hosa Technology. 

Lynn’s career includes significant roles in the music technology industry, including positions at Yamaha Guitar Group and Line 6, where he led successful brand and product design initiatives. He has also worked as a freelance consultant, providing creative direction and design services to a variety of clients. 

Lynn holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Southern Arkansas University.

 Guitar Center, the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments, announces the appointment of Jerry Brandehoff to the position Chief Merchandising Officer, joining the company’s Executive Team on February 3. The announcement was made by Gabe Dalporto, Guitar Center CEO, and reflects the company’s ongoing growth initiatives.

“Jerry is a dynamic and inspirational retail executive with over 30 years of experience leading merchandising and product teams for world-class global brands,” said Dalporto. “Through his leadership style, he is dedicated to empowering teams, driving performance, and fostering collaboration. He was selected after an extensive search, and he stood out as the clear leader to help deliver our critical strategic priorities this year.”

In his new position, Brandehoff will lead Guitar Center’s merchandising organization, which encompasses buying and planning of general merchandise and private label brands for Guitar Center across all channels. Dalporto continues, “This is a critically important role as we transform our assortment to serve the serious musician, with the outcome of accelerated revenue growth, margin expansion, improved customer satisfaction, tight inventory management, and ultimately, market share gains.”

Brandehoff joins Guitar Center from Wayfair, where he most recently held the position of Chief Merchant, as well as additional leadership roles during his tenure. Previously he held leadership positions with Gap Inc, PVH, and Williams Sonoma Inc. He will be based out of Guitar Center’s Support Center in Westlake Village, CA.  

“I am both thrilled and honored to be joining the leadership team at Guitar Center,” said Brandehoff. “Music and musical instruments play such an important role in the lives of musicians and fans alike, and Guitar Center has been at the heart of this for generations. I started playing the saxophone in elementary school, and fully appreciate the power that music and instruments can unleash on an individual. I look forward to taking guitar and keyboard lessons through the Guitar Center Lessons program.”

Fender has issued a statement regarding the recent passing of Mike Lewis, a stalwart member of the Fender team. During his tenure of more than 30 years, Lewis played an essential role in the development of Fender’s Custom Shop and Gretsch instruments, as well as the company’s line of amplifiers.

“Today, we reach out with heavy hearts to share the news of the passing of Mike Lewis, VP of Product Development at the Fender Custom Shop. Mike’s departure has left a void that will be felt deeply within the Fender family and guitar community. While his legacy and impact cannot be replicated, FMIC is honored to continue his legacy.

Mike first joined Fender in the Sales department in 1991, where he engaged with dealers over the phone. Later, he revitalized Fender’s evolving amp line, ensuring the business reclaimed the #1 market position by introducing iconic products such as the DeVille Series and the Vibro-King. Mike’s innovations also extended to Fender’s electric guitar department, where he actively contributed to guitar innovations based on player preferences. Notably, he introduced Fender’s first production Stratocaster with a regular humbucker: the Lone Star Strat.

His pioneering spirit was further demonstrated as he spearheaded Fender’s first online store, showcasing his commitment to pushing boundaries. Mike went beyond just overseeing the site; he immersed himself, acquiring unique coding skills. Mike consistently exhibited a voracious appetite for learning new skills, whether in bowling, tattoos, ukuleles, painting, photography, or web design—he delved deep into each pursuit.

Mike’s impact reached new heights when Fender collaborated with Gretsch. He revamped the entire line, restoring specifications to the original magic recipe, which resonated instantly with fans. His commitment went so far that he took an old ’59 6120 to a medical facility for an MRI and CAT Scan, ensuring authenticity in its internal construction.

In the Fender Custom Shop, Mike brought his design aesthetic and keen management skills, resulting in the best 10-year run in the shop’s history. His legacy is not just in running product lines but reimagining them, often tearing them back to their essence before rebuilding them anew.

Fender and the Fender Custom Shop mourn the loss of not just a colleague but a beloved member of our family. Mike’s passion for guitars and his unwavering dedication to his craft was evident in every project he touched. His legacy at the Fender Custom Shop is a testament to his profound influence, and we are deeply grateful for the time we spent alongside him.

“Mike Lewis didn’t merely oversee product lines; he possessed the rare ability to reimagine them, stripping them down to their essence and rebuilding them anew. His strong vision, cultivated over decades as a player, shaped his approach. From touring with Chuck Berry and opening for the Rolling Stones to serving as a studio session musician in 1970s NYC and owning a music store in Virginia, Mike’s wealth of experience, perspective, and wisdom became the foundation he brought to Fender. He didn’t just work here; he lived and embodied the spirit of the brand. Though I initially worked for him for many years, there came a point where the dynamic shifted, and he started working for me. And yes, throughout our time he consistently remained a mentor, a wellspring of wisdom, and, above all, a treasured friend until the end.” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at FMIC. 

Our thoughts are with Mike’s family, friends, and loved ones. We extend our deepest condolences and support during this difficult period.”

3RD POWER has promoted Jon Hurley to the position of Artist Relations and Business Development Manager. The move represents a strategic shift in artist and business development both locally and beyond. Hurley’s responsibility now expand beyond production and R&D, to also include artist, client, end-user experience and optimization, as well as new business development, better positioning 3rd Power for growth.

“From the moment I met him, it was obvious that Jon is a unique talent with an impressiveblend of passion, talent, creative capacity, strong business instincts and leadership traits,” said 3rd Power’s CEO, Founder and Designer Dylana Scott. “With this strategic change in how 3rd Power operates, we are excited about the positive impact it will bring to the business, our dealers, our artists and guitar tone seekers everywhere.”

“Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to learn and be mentored by one of the most creative minds in the industry,” said Hurley. “I can’t put into words how special it is to be a part of such an iconic brand and what an exciting time is to be a part of 3rd Power’s future with such positive energy aimed at success. 3rd Power was founded on a platform of product excellence designed to deliver every nuance of a guitarist’s performance to their audience, an inspirational exchange Dylana calls, ‘emotional translation.’ I’m excited to be a part of this journey and we will remain focused on fulfilling the needs of our customers and creating the most inspirational guitar products possible.

Hurley most recently served as Lead Production Technician and has been with the company serving in a variety of key roles since 2021, rising from an entry-level solder tech position to his current executive role. Among his many accomplishments at 3rd Power, Hurley has served in a product development advisory role (2022 – 2023), an especially creative period during which he was instrumental in developing some of 3rd Power’s most innovative products. Prior to joining 3rd Power, Hurley studied audio engineering at Berkelee College of Music, was an audio engineer, live sound technician as well as guitar instructor. Hurley is
also a successful touring guitarist and 3rd Power endorser.

Gibson, the iconic, leading American instrument brand, is proud to announce the promotion of Beth Rasnick to the role of Chief of Staff to the CEO, Gibson Brands, reporting to Cesar Gueikian. 

In her new role, Beth is empowered to act strategically as representative for the Office of the CEO internally and externally, collaborating with the Gibson leadership and extended leadership teams to determine and prioritize business strategies and action plans. She will lead the CEO Office with sponsored high-impact projects, as well as strategic business initiatives from ideation to implementation.

“Beth will be instrumental in driving our strategic priorities, leveraging 130 years of history shaping the sound of music, and focusing on our future through strategic actions in service to music fans around the world,” said Cesar Gueikian, President and Interim CEO, Gibson Brands.

“I’m honored and so excited to be taking on this important role in leading Gibson Brands into the future alongside an exceptionally talented team whom I know very well,” said Beth Rasnick, Chief of Staff, Gibson Brands. “My focus will continue to be on shaping our thriving world class instruments, sound and media/entertainment business across the global landscape and supporting our team through the limitless opportunities ahead.”

Throughout nearly a decade at Gibson, Beth has held diverse key positions spanning finance, accounting, treasury, business acquisitions and divestitures, transformation initiatives, and corporate strategy. She is an emerging player of rhythm guitar which she has learned from her father. Prior to joining Gibson, Beth held leadership positions in Voya, Inc’s strategic finance group including during the company’s IPO and rebranding initiatives. She began her career at Ernst & Young serving multiple clients in Ernst & Young’s assurance practice. Beth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Georgia. 

To view all current career opportunities at Gibson Brands, visit: https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Careers.