Returns to Fender to Oversee Global Communications and Join Executive Leadership Team

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (July 20, 2026) — Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced the appointment of Christina Stejskal as Chief Communications Officer. Reporting to Chief Executive Officer Edward “Bud” Cole and serving on the company’s executive leadership team, Stejskal will lead Fender’s global communications organization, overseeing brand, consumer and product communications, internal communications, executive and board communications, creator and influencer strategy, and corporate reputation.

Stejskal returns to Fender from Dolby Laboratories, where she served as Senior Director of Global Public Relations, leading the company’s global public relations strategy, executive visibility, crisis communications and agency operations while building the processes and infrastructure to support a modern, global communications organization.

She previously spent nearly a decade at Fender, where she built and scaled the company’s global communications function and helped shape the brand during a period of significant business growth and digital transformation. During her tenure, she led communications for many of Fender’s most significant product launches and strategic initiatives, including the American Professional Series, the American Acoustasonic® Telecaster®, the expansion of Fender’s digital ecosystem, and the launch of Fender’s first flagship store in Tokyo. She also established Fender’s first integrated creator and influencer communications strategy and helped broaden the brand’s reach through executive thought leadership and lifestyle storytelling that connected with new generations of players and more diverse audiences.

“Christina understands what makes Fender unique—our history, our players and the culture that has grown around this brand for generations,” said Edward “Bud” Cole, Chief Executive Officer of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “She has played an important role in shaping Fender’s global story, combining strategic thinking and creativity to build meaningful connections with audiences around the world. We’re excited to welcome Christina back to the executive leadership team as we continue to grow the Fender brand and inspire musicians at every stage of their journey.”

“I’m honored to return to Fender and join the executive leadership team,” said Christina Stejskal. “Few brands have shaped music and culture the way Fender has. I’m excited to help tell the stories behind our people, our products and the players who inspire us every day, while helping write this iconic company’s next chapter.”

Stejskal has been recognized for her leadership in communications and marketing by Reuters, Ragan, PRWeek and The PR Net, including Reuters’ Trailblazing Women in Marketing, Service & Experience (2024), Ragan Top Women in Communications – Trailblazer (2023), The PR Net’s MarComms Most Influential (2023) and PRWeek Women to Watch (2021).

Stejskal’s appointment underscores Fender’s continued commitment to strengthening its brand leadership and storytelling as the company celebrates its 80th anniversary and continues to shape the future of music across the industry and player experiences.

For information on Fender’s products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.

About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers, and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)–whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby®, and PreSonus® – follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. In 2026, Fender celebrates 80 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.

(STEVENSVILLE, Md.) July 27, 2026 – PRS Guitars today announced that Jack Higginbotham has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO), making him the first person to hold that title in the company’s history. In this new role, Higginbotham will continue to oversee the worldwide day-to-day business operations of the company, regularly traveling around the globe to strengthen manufacturing processes, dealer relationships, vendor connections, and every aspect of PRS Guitars.

“Jack Higginbotham has been a leader with PRS since the beginning. He is deeply deserving of this role. I look forward to continuing our close relationship building and selling guitars and amps for the world,” said Paul Reed Smith, PRS Guitars Managing General Partner.

Higginbotham has worked at PRS Guitars since its first year in existence: 1985. In his forty-one years, he has deliberately worked in every department that exists at PRS. Between his first job in the woodshop and his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Higginbotham has also spent time in operations management, purchasing, sales, customer service, marketing, artist relations, and was president for 15 years. This well-rounded view of the company throughout its history has uniquely positioned Higginbotham to tap into his experiences in executing his new role.

“PRS is an exciting place to be, now more than ever, and I’m thankful to be surrounded by talented, focused teams in the US, UK, Europe and Japan,” said Jack Higginbotham, PRS Guitars CEO. “As Paul is heard to say, ‘This is our time.’ As I navigate my fourth decade as a PRS employee, I’m looking forward to using my experiences as well as our collective experiences to position us well for the next 40 years. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to what is to come!”

A full-time gigging musician prior to PRS, Higginbotham continues to perform on keys, guitar, and an ever-growing number of additional instruments during any free time with his blues-rock band: The Stoneflies.

For all of the latest news, visit www.prsguitars.com and follow @prsguitars on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

About PRS Guitars:
PRS Guitars is a leading manufacturer of high-quality instruments in Stevensville, Maryland and has provided some of the world’s most renowned musicians with instruments since 1985. The PRS team of highly skilled craftspeople design and build a wide variety of musical instruments and gear for worldwide distribution, including electric and acoustic guitars as well as boutique-style guitar amplifiers and effects pedals. The PRS SE Series complements the Maryland-made PRS line by offering highly approachable and more affordable electric and acoustic guitars. David Grissom, Jimmy Herring, Mark Holcomb, Myles Kennedy, Mark Lettieri, John Mayer, Orianthi, Carlos Santana, Ed Sheeran, Rhonda Smith, Mark Tremonti and Keith Urban are among the artists currently playing PRS instruments and/or amplifiers.

President and Chief Executive Officer Cesar Gueikian moves into strategic Board of Directors and advisory role; Chief Commercial Officer Anne Rohosy appointed Interim President & Chief Executive Officer as Board commences search for permanent successor

Gibson, Inc. has announced that President and CEO Cesar Gueikian is stepping back from his operating role, transitioning into a strategic advisor position on the company’s Board of Directors effective July 31, 2026. Gueikian will remain active at Gibson as global artist ambassador and strategic thought partner to leadership. Anne Rohosy, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will serve as Interim President and CEO while the Board works with an executive search firm to find a permanent successor.

Nat Zilkha, Executive Chairman of Gibson’s Board, thanked Gueikian for 13 years of leadership, crediting him with rebuilding the company’s foundation. He said Gueikian is stepping back from day-to-day operations to refocus on his passion for working directly with artists, while remaining part of the Gibson family as a Board member, advisor, and ambassador.

Gueikian called leading Gibson the honor of his life, pointing to what he and the team built together, including the culture, artist relationships, and global community. He said he has full confidence in Rohosy and is looking forward to his next chapter as a shareholder, Board member, and artist ambassador.

Rohosy said she’s honored to step into the role at such an important moment, noting her focus on customer connection and growing the Gibson name will stay the same. She said she’s looking forward to working with Gueikian, the Board, and the leadership team to ensure continuity.

Zilkha added that Rohosy has a deep understanding of Gibson’s brands, customers, and people, along with a strong record building global businesses, and that the Board has full confidence in her ability to guide a smooth transition.

Reflecting on Gueikian’s tenure, guitarist and producer Slash credited him with reintroducing quality, integrity, and passion into Gibson’s business, and for keeping the guitars themselves the paramount focus of the company.

About Anne Rohosy

Rohosy joined Gibson in 2021 and was named Chief Commercial Officer in 2025, overseeing global commercial strategy across wholesale, direct-to-consumer, and retail. She previously served as Chief Human Resources and Impact Officer and as Managing Director of Gibson Amplifiers. She brings more than 30 years of experience from companies including Levi Strauss & Co. and Nike, with a background in brand building, P&L management, and global market expansion.

About Gibson

Gibson, founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, has shaped the sound of generations of musicians for over 130 years. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, MESA/Boogie, KRK, and Maestro.

Media Contacts: Libby Coffey, Prime PR Group (for Gibson); Emily Claffey/Columbia Clancy, FGS Global

Two new investors with ties to the music industry—Creator Partners and Servco—have entered an agreement to purchase Reverb from Etsy 

Today, music gear marketplace Reverb announced that two new investors—Creator Partners and Servco—have entered an agreement to purchase Reverb from Etsy. Once the deal closes, Reverb will be a privately-held, independently operated company backed by two investors that share Reverb’s experience in the music industry and focus on supporting musicians. 

“Creator Partners and Servco share our passion for the musical instruments industry and a community-first approach, plus a deep desire to strengthen creative industries,” said David Mandelbrot, CEO at Reverb. “The musicians, shops, and brands who use Reverb have always been at the center of all that we do, and these two partners will help us support our music-making community in new and better ways.”

Known for their focus on the digital transformation of creative industries, Creator Partners is an investment company currently investing in music companies including BMI, SoundCloud, Color Studios and Mogul.

“Reverb is the #1 global marketplace for musicians, and a one-of-a-kind platform that has transformed access to quality used gear for creators of all levels” said Kerry Trainor, Creator Partners Founder and former CEO of SoundCloud and Vimeo, “We are thrilled to join the Reverb mission to make the world more musical, and grow the entire industry through seamless secondhand commerce.”

Servco has been involved in the musical instrument industry since 1937, including a long history with Fender—first as a dealer of Fender music gear in the 1950s, then as part of the group that bought the company from CBS in 1985  and now as the majority owner of the company, as well as an active investor in other musical instruments businesses.

“We are thrilled and honored to be a part of Reverb’s continued success,” said Executive Chair of Servco, Mark Fukunaga. “For nearly 90 years, Servco has been deeply involved in musical instruments and music education programs. And we remain committed to being good stewards of leading musical instrument companies, like Reverb, and supporting players everywhere in pursuing their passion to create music.”

When the deal closes in the coming months, Reverb will return to being an independent business. According to Mandelbrot, buyers and sellers won’t notice any disruption as a result of this news, but he does expect the Reverb community to notice positive changes and new innovations in the coming months as the team continues to focus on making Reverb the best place to buy and sell music gear. 

“We’ve got a lot of exciting changes in the works. We’re expanding access to music-making software on Reverb and we’re getting ready to pilot a new option for selling that allows musicians to get paid faster, while skipping the listing and shipping process. Our teams are working on improving our search functionality, making it easier to ship, and shortening the time it takes to resolve support issues,” said Mandelbrot. “All and all, there’s a lot for our community to look forward to and I’m very excited about what’s coming as we move forward as an independent company again.” 

Hosa Technology, Inc., a leading global provider of analog and digital connectivity solutions for the music and professional audio industries, is proud to announce that its CEO, Mayumi Allison, has been elected to the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Board of Directors.
Allison joins a distinguished group of industry leaders who will serve a three-year term, providing oversight and support of NAMM’s vision, mission, and objectives. The NAMM Board of Directors consists of 24 members elected by the NAMM membership.
“I am honored to be elected to the NAMM Board of Directors,” said Allison. “NAMM plays a vital role in supporting the music industry, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to advance the organization’s mission and serve its members.”
As CEO of Hosa Technology, Allison leads a company that has been a NAMM member since 1987. She holds an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and a B.A. in business marketing, with a minor in Japanese from California State University, Fullerton.
Allison’s election to the NAMM Board was announced at the 2025 NAMM Show during its annual meeting of members. She joins seven other newly elected board members:

Betty Bennett – CEO and Co-Founder, Apogee Electronics Corp.
Jenna Day – Owner, Day Violins LLC
Jeremiah Manriquez – President, CEO and Owner, Pecknel Music Co., Inc.
Tim Pratt – President and Owner, Dietze Music House
Thomas Ripsam – President and CEO, C.F. Martin & Co., Inc.
Tom Tedesco – President and CEO, The Music People
Hans Thomann – CEO, Thomann Musikhaus

Orange Amplification is pleased to announce Sarah Yule is the company’s new Managing Director.
 
A respected member of the Music and Pro-Audio Industries, Yule has forged a leadership career working with some of the best-known brands including KEF, Audio Technica and ROLI where she won a Top 25 Women in Tech Award. With more than twenty years industry experience she will bring a wealth of knowledge to her new role.
 
‘Sarah will play a key part in the company’s goals, and we all look forward to Sarah joining us’ said CEO Cliff Cooper.
 
Commenting on her appointment Sarah Yule said ‘I am delighted to begin working with such an iconic and well-respected brand as Orange. I look forward to building on all its heritage and becoming part of its exciting future. I am truly thrilled to be part of the Orange Groupvgoing forward.’
 
For more information on Orange Amplifiers please visit Orange https://orangeamps.com/