Conn-Selmer, Inc. has announced that John Stoner, president/CEO of Conn-Selmer, Inc. will retire effective Friday, August 30, 2019. Stephen Zapf has been selected to take over as president/CEO and will formally join the company on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
Mr. Stoner has been with Conn-Selmer for 17 years and during his tenure made a significant impression on the music industry since joining the company in 2002. Ben Steiner, COO/CFO for Steinway Musical Instruments remarked, “John helped to transform the landscape of Conn-Selmer” and leverage the impact of the company not only within the music industry but also in the field of music education. Mr. Stoner’s departure “leaves a profound footprint and legacy.”
As John begins his transition he said, “I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to work with all of the employees of Conn-Selmer, all the dealers, educators, and artists in this incredible industry. I am extremely proud of all that Conn-Selmer has accomplished during my tenure and that we have been able to continue the legacy of producing musical instruments in the United States. I would like to thank everyone for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my 17 years with the company. Although I will miss everyone and the company, I am looking forward to the next chapter that lies in front of me.”
Stephen Zapf
Conn-Selmer’s next President/CEO is Stephen Zapf. Steve’s great-grandfather and grandfather started Zapf’s Music in Philadelphia in 1928 and it was from an early age that Steve’s love for music and the music industry was born. Steve mentions, “John has been a friend and tireless supporter of music education for many years; he leaves big shoes to fill and I know that we will all miss him. It is my honor to build on his legacy and lead Conn-Selmer through a new era of growth and innovation in music around the globe. I am fortunate to inherit a great team and have access to necessary resources to reinvest in a suite of iconic brands including Selmer, Bach, Conn, Ludwig, Musser, Leblanc and more.“
