Shane Nicholas, one of the industry’s most well-regarded and beloved amplifier experts, has retired from Fender after 25 years with the company.
Originally from eastern Pennsylvania, Nicholas worked in sales at Dave Phillips Music in Allentown for more than 10 years prior to joining Fender in 1997. With nearly half a century of guitar-playing experience, Nicholas is known for his intricate knowledge of amplifiers and flawless execution on guitar, as well as his passionate on-stage performances. He quickly realized that amplifiers are just as important as guitars for creating a good tone while playing. He took this mindset and went on a journey to play every single one he could find and learned what made each of them tick.
During his 25 years with Fender, Nicholas held multiple roles, including Amplifier Product Specialist, Manager of Product Education, and various Product Manager, Marketing Manager, and Director roles. He played an invaluable part in Fender’s global project to become leaders in the amplifier space. Both former and current employees acknowledge Nicholas for his knowledge, dedication and leadership and feel privileged to have worked alongside him and the incredible legacy he leaves at Fender.
“Shane Nicholas is an institution – both in Fender history and the guitar industry as a whole,” said Justin Norvell, Executive Vice President of Fender Products. “Over the span of his two-decade career at Fender, he not only applied his golden ears and vast vintage knowledge to our storied tube amps, but he also played an integral role in ushering in our first forays and subsequent innovations in the digital amplifier space. Not to mention, he’s an amazing player! He will always and forever be in the Fender family.”
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturer, marketer and distributor, today announced the appointment of two industry veterans to its Board of Directors: Amani Duncan and Maria Fernandez, beginning May 2022. The appointments come during record-breaking growth in guitar-playing history. With more than 16 million people in the U.S. picking up guitar during the pandemic*, the rise of home studios and a flurry of digital-led performances and lessons taking place across social media, FMIC continues to provide players with the tools needed to succeed, living up to its mission to support artists at every stage of their musical journey.
“Over the past year, Fender has inspired a resurgence of people passionate about music, and we are proud of the incredible growth the brand has achieved,” said Mark Fukunaga, chairman of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “I am excited for Amani and Maria to join the FMIC Board, who both have a solid foundation of experience in the music industry in various roles. Their extensive knowledge and passion for music will be invaluable in guiding the brand.”
“We are very fortunate to have Amani and Maria join FMIC’s board at this time and the entire management team is looking forward to benefiting from their exceptional leadership experience,” said Andy Mooney, CEO Fender Musical Instruments Corp. “The current generation of guitar players enjoy a broader spectrum of music than ever. Amani and Maria’s experience in two of today’s most important musical genres coupled with their unique professional perspectives will prove invaluable in terms of executing our ambitious growth plans.”
A Los Angeles native, Amani’s childhood was surrounded by musical influences starting at an early age with her father being a guitar player himself. Her upbringing was rooted in the belief of self-empowerment and the courage and optimism to achieve any dream. These foundational elements paved the way for her highly respected career within the music industry, leading marketing and promotions at Def Jam Records, Island Def Jam, Virgin Records and Capitol Music Group. In 2008, she was recruited to Sean Combs Enterprises/Bad Boy Entertainment as CMO, providing her an opportunity to manage all aspects of Sean Combs’ growing business. Amani modeled business discipline with ventures in several different sectors including spirits, fragrance, film/TV and philanthropy. From 2011 to 2017, she served as Head of Brand Marketing for C.F. Martin Guitar, reviving an almost 200-year-old brand back into the cultural marketplace by fostering new relationships with Ace Hotels, Levi’s Strauss & Co., Stetson, Surfer Magazine and Ed Sheeran, who was an emerging artist at the time. These endeavors, along with the development of a new mid-priced product, helped position the company for growth. Thereafter, Amani joined MTV as the Head of Music with the goal of strengthening the brand’s connection with artists and focusing more heavily on the VMAs to showcase talent. Currently, she oversees BBH USA, an advertising agency that is part of Publicis Groupe, as CEO leading creative marketing efforts on behalf of top tier clients including Google, Heineken, Samsung USA, Barbie and Netflix. Amani serves on the BBH Global board and is also leading an inclusivity race for women in the workforce and racial diversity spearheading internal initiatives, including DEI, helping the agency become 64% female and reach 50% diversity in race. Amani joins the FMIC board with a wealth of creative and business expertise across many industries including music and media.
“From my time at Def Jam, Martin Guitar, MTV and my current position at creative agency BBH USA, music has been a constant presence and a cornerstone in my professional work and personal life,” said Amani Duncan, CEO of BBH USA. “I have always been a huge fan of Fender guitars, and it is such an honor to join the illustrious board of this iconic brand.”
Born and raised in Venezuela, Maria’s upbringing was rooted in musical culture. She is an accomplished music industry professional with an expertise in finance, operations and P&L orientation. Prior to her college graduation in Caracas, she began her career with The Walt Disney Company, where she started as a Financial Analyst. In 2004, she joined the DirecTV team followed by Probiz, a consulting agency through which she served as the Finance lead for a start-up voice over IP company. After three years with the company she moved onto Sony Music Entertainment (SME) where she has been on an accelerated growth path in progressively senior level roles, achieving five promotions in the past fifteen years. Today she serves as EVP of Operations and COO where she works closely with the CEO to create and implement strategic planning, focusing on the Latin Iberia region, which is a key driver for the company with revenues in the triple digits. In addition, Fernandez works closely with their roster of artists leading deal negotiations on behalf of the company, oversees SME’s analytics initiatives on a regional and global level and handles mergers and acquisitions in the region. At SME Maria is dedicated to ensuring others have the opportunity to chase their dreams as well as fostering diverse teams that encompass both gender and race. Maria joins the FMIC board as a fierce female leader encouraging women to speak up and start the conversation because it’s the only path forward.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the board of FMIC, a company with a rich history, a culture of innovation and a service mindset,” said Maria Fernandez, EVP, COO Latin Iberia at Sony Music Entertainment (SME) “Growing up in Venezuela, I would have never dreamt of one day joining such a recognized company and it will be a privilege to work with their fantastic team. As someone who has always worked to support women, it is especially gratifying to be joining the board with an executive of Amani’s caliber.”
Founded in 1946, Fender has created guitars, amps, pedals and accessories for players around the world and their innovative musical equipment has been played on more stages than any other company in the industry. Through their portfolio of brands, FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all artists and players alike, from beginners and students to history-making legends. Championing artists has been at the foundation of FMIC’s endeavors, an ethos that is an echo of Founder Leo Fender’s famous mantra: “Artists are Angel’s, it’s our job to give them wings to fly.”
For over 75 years, the brand’s mission has been one hundred percent committed to serving players at every stage of their musical journey by creating and delivering best-in-class instruments that help artists and players move their craft forward and keep guitar relevant in music culture. In 2015, FMIC introduced its digital arm, and two years later, it launched Fender Play, which unlocked the power of musical expression for all players, providing fun and invigorating guitar lessons available conveniently at their fingertips. In late 2021, FMIC entered a merger with PreSonus Audio Electronics, a leading design manufacturer of recording and licec-sound hardware and software solutions that solve real-world problems for working creatives. Together, their passion for music and commitment to innovation will help equip and inspire current and future generations of artists.
With the additions of Amani and Maria to its Board of Directors, FMIC is very optimistic about the future ahead. Executive bios and headshots are both available here.
For additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.
*In 2021, FMIC released the results of a study, “Fender’s New Guitar Player Landscape Analysis,” commissioned alongside YouGov®, which revealed that an incredible 7% of the U.S. population ages 13-64 (approx. 16 million people) started to learn guitar in the last two years. View the full results of the survey here.
Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. is excited to announce the acquisition of GrooveTech Tools. For more than 25 years, GrooveTech Tools has been providing musicians with professional-grade tools that would be welcomed on any shop floor.
When starting the brand, tool enthusiast Dan Parks designed each and every product according to the absolute dependability required by his two lifelong passions—riding motorcycles and playing bass. Getting stuck on the side of the road with a broken-down bike is out of the question—and with GrooveTech tools, you won’t be stuck on the side of the stage when the lights come on. That’s why legendary guitar manufacturers and the world’s top techs rely on GrooveTech Tools for the highest standard of instrument care. Dunlop will honor that same commitment to quality and reliability, and Dan will remain on the GrooveTech Tools team as a consultant to help develop new products for the line.
“While considering a landing spot for GrooveTech Tools, Dunlop was the first name that came to mind,” Dan said. “I’ve been both a fan and customer of Dunlop for decades, and I am super happy they felt the same way about us.”
After three-plus decades, Sharon Hennessey and John Hennessey enter a well-deserved retirement
The Music People — manufacturer of the On-Stage brand of musical-instrument accessories and distributor of over 200 pro-audio, video, and lighting brands through TMP-Pro — have announced the retirement of Co-Chairwoman Sharon Hennessey, Co-Chairman John Hennessey and Controller John Gutowski, a group that served over 100 combined years leading the company.
Jam Industries — a leading value-added pro-AVL distributor in North America and global MI product supplier which recently rebranded as Exertis | Jam — acquired The Music People in 2020. “We were so proud to acquire The Music People—simply an excellent industry-leading company with an exceptional team. We were equally proud to have the Hennesseys join our organization and now wish them all — Jim, Sharon, John and John Gutowski — a well-deserved retirement. We hope to continue to develop on the Hennessey legacy for many years to come,“ said Stuart Frenkel, President and CEO of Exertis | Jam.
Sharon Hennessey and John Hennessey joined their family’s business, The Music People, in 1989 and 1991, respectively. Sharon’s career was primarily focused on sales and growing the On-Stage brand into one of the most respected MI brands in the world while John’s focus was making TMP-Pro an elite pro-audio distributor in the United States. Although they led the organization for many years previously, in 2016 they were formally named Co-Presidents.
“It seems strange and yet fitting that my sister and I retire with my father, Jim, from the company he started 43 years ago. I have had but one job in my life that lasted 31 years and resulted in my whole career. I started by stamping ‘battery not included’ and essentially did or directed every job since. We persevered, resolved, adapted, created, collaborated, supported and stepped aside in awe of the team that is now The Music People. What started as a rejected idea became a family business through years of hard work and wonderful relationships with employees, customers and suppliers,” said John Hennessey.
“The time is right for us to step aside. We are proud and appreciative to have had the pleasure of working with the best team in the industry, which is just beginning to hit its stride. Much was accomplished from creating and carrying innovative products — ultimately it is the relationships and the team that feel most significant. My father has always been smart, hard-working, lucky and ahead of his time. Somehow, he knew when he named the company The Music People it was going to be all about the people. We thank our team, customers and suppliers for all of their support over the years, as well as the enduring relationships we’ve shared,” said Sharon Hennessey. A retirement reception was held March 30, 2022, to honor their many accomplishments. Due to Covid-19 restrictions which prevented a celebratory gathering after his retirement in 2020, Founder Jim Hennessey was also honored at the event.
Tom Tedesco, who was promoted to President and CEO in November 2021, said: “All of us at The Music People could not be happier for Jim, John, Sharon and John. We are forever grateful for the contributions they made toward creating the amazing company we are all proud to be a part of today. Their passion will remain the foundation of our culture forever.”
PRS Guitars is proud to announce the opening of its new artist showroom at Soundcheck Nashville on March 14, 2022. Nashville has long been a city that attracts incredible musicians of all styles, and PRS guitars have become a staple for those professional recording and touring musicians, providing inspiring tools that consistently provide the highest level of performance.
PRS is excited to further strengthen its connection to local professional musicians through this new space.
“The PRS Guitars Nashville showroom will provide an easily accessible, inspiring space for musicians to connect while fostering a deeper relationship between PRS and artists in the Nashville region,” said Bev Fowler, PRS Director of Artist Relations.
Located at the legendary Soundcheck Nashville studios, known for being the home of the famed CMA awards, the new PRS showroom is equipped with the latest offerings of PRS guitars and amplifiers for artists to check out or to borrow and test on the road. PRS will also be offering guitar tech work to qualified artists.
The PRS Guitars Artist Relations team is excited to share their passion for the instruments with old friends and new friends alike. The showroom will be open to artists Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and by appointment. To learn more about what PRS Artists are up to, visit https://prsguitars.com/artists.
The D’Addario Foundation is honored to announce the launch of the Bridge Fund, a new initiative focused specifically on bridging the gap between access to music education and the Black community, which has been historically ignored and too often denied access to these life-changing programs.
For over 40 years the D’Addario Foundation has fought to overcome the decimation of music education in America’s schools by supporting innovative community music programs that not only restore access to music education by breaking down all barriers to entry, but nurture youth development, mentorship, and leadership.
Looking at the landscape of music education funding over the past twenty-five years, we can see that budget cuts disproportionately impact school districts that serve students of color, immigrant students, and low-income communities.
“The damaging consequences of COVID has only exacerbated the need to address the enormous gap in educational resources and opportunities,” says D’Addario Foundation Executive Director, Suzanne D’Addario Brouder. “We honor the values and needs of communities by launching the Bridge Fund that very intentionally identifies and supports innovative, immersive, and accessible music programs in Black communities. In particular, we seek programs that take place after-school and are available multiple days per week – elements that very clearly contribute to higher levels of engagement and academic achievement as an actionable solution to “bridging” this gap and giving every student a chance to reach their highest potential.”
One of the newest grantees who recently was awarded support from the Bridge Fund is West Point School of Music’s Urban Music Makers program. It is a Black-led and Black serving band and steel drum program engaging urban youth through free in-school and after-school music instruction and performance. Their goal is to build bands at multiple schools that students will be proud to call their own.
100% of every donation goes directly to funding these programs; administration costs are absorbed by the D’Addario & Company. All programs have been curated over decades based on their ability to deliver three things: inspiring a child’s musical ability, lifting their self-worth, and elevating their academic performance. Contributing to the Bridge Fund can help lead children on a path to higher education and a more aspirational future. To learn more and donate to the Bridge Fund, please visit: https://ddar.io/BridgeFund.PR.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced today the appointment of Matt Janopaul as Chief Financial Officer, who will report directly to Andy Mooney, Chief Executive Officer. Janopaul succeeds Jim Broenen who retired in December 2021 after a distinguished 15-year career with the company, with the past 13 years serving as CFO. With the transition from private equity to the long-term capital provided by Servco Pacific, Inc. (Servco), FMIC’s investor since 1985, Janopaul’s focus will be centered around key strategic growth initiatives. These include continuing to deliver growth consistent with culture-driven brands, optimization of FMIC’s global footprint from a sales and supply standpoint, the development of a consumer-focused digital ecosystem that incorporates products and software from its recent acquisition of PreSonus.
“I am pleased to welcome Matt Janopaul as FMIC’s new Chief Financial Officer,” said Andy Mooney, FMIC CEO. “He has been a valued partner to the company for many years through his role initially at Weston Presidio, and more recently at Servco. Matt has extensive knowledge of FMIC’s history, current operations and future growth plans. His financial acumen, leadership experience and company knowledge will facilitate a smooth transition in FMIC’s finance function, and enable him to quickly contribute to FMIC’s world-class leadership team as we support the 16 million new players that have joined our community in the last two years.”
“One of my first comments to Fender’s Board of Directors upon joining the company in 2015 was: ‘For a company its size, the finance function way out-punches its weight class,” said Mooney. “Jim’s leadership of the finance department at FMIC has been exceptional. He built a world-class team that has guided the company through challenges, and set the stage for our current success. However, Jim does more than lead the finance function, much more. He’s been a trusted advisor to FMIC’s executive team in general, and to myself in particular. Every key decision made over the last six years was made with his counsel and guidance. Jim has developed many personal friendships over the years. I consider myself fortunate to be his friend, and believe our friendship will be lifelong. It’s been my privilege to have worked with him, and I wish him, his wife Gina, and his family my very best wishes for the future.”
Janopaul brings a unique perspective and longtime partnership to FMIC, joining from his most recent role as Managing Director of Servco Pacific Capital (SPC), the direct investment arm of Servco Pacific, Inc. (Servco), the largest for-profit private company in Hawaii. SPC’s largest investment to date is the majority ownership of FMIC. Since 2001, Janopaul has held various roles with Fender, ranging from investor and board member, to President and Chief Operating Officer. As COO, he was responsible for the daily operations of the company including accounting and finance, corporate development, IT, manufacturing and supply chain. Prior to joining Fender, Janopaul was a General Partner of Weston Presidio, a leading $3.3 billion private equity firm with offices in San Francisco and Boston, where he was actively involved in management buyouts, recapitalizations, leveraged consolidations and growth financings across the consumer, industrial, service and publishing sectors.
“We are all so thankful for Matt’s contributions to Servco. His leadership has played an important role in the unprecedented success of our business, including his work with FMIC through Servco Pacific Capital,” said Mark Fukunaga, Chairman and CEO of Servco. “Matt’s passion for the music industry and Fender’s success has always been clear, which makes us confident that this is the right move for Fender and Servco. We congratulate Matt, and look forward to working with him in his new role.”
“Over the past twenty years, I have cared deeply about Fender and its mission to support artists at every stage of their musical journey. What makes FMIC so special are the people throughout the organization – from the factory floors in Corona and Ensenada to the global sales team – it is an amazing culture,” said Janopaul. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with Andy and Fender’s industry-leading executive team as well as join the talented finance organization that Jim Broenen has built. This is an exciting time to be a part of this new future and the Company’s long-term roadmap of innovative products and digital offerings.”
Headshot and bio for Jim Broenen and Matt Janopaul available here.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.
Seymour Duncan is pleased to announce that Alex Semple has been promoted to the position of Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships.
“Alex’s deep domain knowledge, along with a business acumen honed over 20 years with the company, puts him in a prime position to create new exclusive product opportunities with our valued partners. His roles in technical support and export sales culminated in his managing our global sales channel. As a result, Alex has a multifaceted understanding of the customer experience that, when coupled with his participation in the new products development process, places him in prime position to add value to both our existing and future business relationships,” said Diana Wilson, CEO.
Said Alex of the new role, ”It’s always great to play a part in the success of a new product, especially when it’s directly connected to a specific customer or geographic region. During my time as International Sales Manager, I conceived exclusive product offerings for the UK, Japan and the Scandinavian market. Being in a role where I can create innovative solutions to delight our customers is very exciting to me.”
A self-professed metal maniac, one of Alex’s prize possessions is his black lefty ’92 Gibson SG Standard loaded with a pair of Black Winter humbuckers which he co-developed with Custom Shop Manager, Derek Duncan. “I’m proud to say my guitar is equipped with the very first Black Winters to come off the production floor.” Alex and Derek also dreamed up the Slug humbucker, Seymour Duncan’s highest output passive pickup to date. “I’d been listening to a lot of Cathedral and Electric Wizard at the time and simply asked Derek how hot we could wind a humbucker, and Slug was the answer.“ Outside of work, Alex can be found earnestly swinging the irons at any one of the Central Coast’s numerous golf courses.
Seymour Duncan is pleased to announce that Kevin Kroeger has joined the company as its Chief Product and Innovation Officer.
“In this new role, Kevin will be responsible for spearheading an organizational initiative aimed at innovating and diversifying Seymour Duncan’s New Products strategy. A well-respected industry veteran, in addition to his 15 years at Fender, Kevin most recently ran product development for Rockford Fosgate in the mobile audio space. His unique skill set, which combines a passion for music and guitar with exceptional leadership chops and a fresh perspective on what will drive success in MI, both today and in the future, gives me every confidence that Kevin can help us achieve the very ambitious growth goals we’ve set for the company, ” said Diana Wilson, CEO.
Said Kevin of the new role, “I’m just so excited to return to MI with the Seymour Duncan team—it truly is like coming home again. As a long time user and enthusiast, I am thrilled to be on the inside with a guiding hand. Our team is exceptional and has set the bar for what pickups could be for the last 45 years. Going forward, we will honor our heritage and drive innovation into existing as well as new opportunities in order to expand musicians’ soundscapes and expressions.”
Kevin is an avid indie rock, hardcore punk, and overall music fanatic. As a contributor to the Detroit hardcore scene in the 1990s, he was obsessed with any and every band that Orange County’s Revelation Records released in the ’80’s and ’90’s. His favorite guitar is a 1966 Guild Starfire IV, which he describes as having been “unceremoniously and amateurishly refinished in walnut, with a couple of sloppy neck resets and visible glue squeeze-out, but with all of the charm of a well-loved guitar. And even better, one that I’m not afraid of dropping or dinging.” This guitar shared hands and affection at Fender R&D with the legendary Dan Smith, who gave Kevin his start in MI at Fender. Kevin and Amy, his wife of 23 years, spend their time hiking and traveling to Disneyland with their three children.
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, is proud to announce the addition of Anne Rohosy to the newly created role of Chief Human Resources and Transformation Officer, Gibson Brands. As a member of Gibson’s worldwide leadership team, Anne is an expert team builder and will be responsible for expanding Gibson’s organizational development and business transformation worldwidewith her expertise in global corporate strategy, change management, and operational execution. “Gibson has successfully turned around, you can feel the pride of over 6,394 years of the Gibson team’s collective experience in making Guitars, Amps, Pedals, and Gear,” says Anne Rohosy, Chief Human Resources and Transformation Officer, Gibson Brands. “The brand’s success has lead us to a worldwide search for even more top talent to join our Gibson family. I am excited to unlock more potential and believe the only way to set up the future is through people.” “Anne joins Gibson, in this newly created position, at the perfect time”, says James “JC” Curleigh, President and CEO, Gibson Brands. “As we set the stage for the future, Anne will bring her proven experience, combined with her passionate approach, to the challenges ahead.” Anne joins Gibson with 30 years of experience successfully building global brands in the sporting goods, tech, fashion, and lifestyle industries. Anne has held successful President and Director level executive roles in multiple Fortune 500 companies and currently sits on two global company advisory boards in the consumer apparel and technology space. A global leader and innovator, Anne has won multiple awards for empowering women to move forward in their careers in the business community. As part of the United Nations Global Compact Women’s Empowerment Principles Leadership Group, Anne has worked to guide and women in the marketplace and communities across the globe. Anne puts into action bringing new talent into the industry and has long understood that the diversity of the business and people is the key to unlocking future growth on a worldwide scale. Prior to joining the Gibson team, Anne served as Executive Vice President and President, Americas, and President of the Docker’s Brand at Levi Strauss & Co., and multiple Director Level roles in the Americas, Europe, and LTAM while at Nike Inc.Anne presently holds advisory board positions at Brooks Sports, Inc. and the global tech firm Volumental where her insights and operational strategies continue to help the brands strategically expand in international markets, implement development strategies, as well as achieve balance within Omni Channels. Music, amps, and guitars have filled Anne’s home for years. Her husband is an accomplished musician, guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Her sons are avid guitar players, all of whom are thrilled that she is joining Gibson Brands!
