Bad Cat has announced the following new hires and position appointments to its core team: Peter Arends as Chief Executive Officer, Jon Bingham as Director of Sales and Marketing in North America, Matthew Smith as Director of International Business Development, and Francesco Longhi as Director of International Sales and Service.
Peter Arends, Chief Executive Officer
Peter Arends has joined Bad Cat as Chief Executive Officer to embark on an exciting reenvisioning of the brand and its product line. Peter is a product designer with deep expertise in spearheading disruptive innovation and engineering for consumer experience in the musical instrument industry. “Peter is a game-changer for Bad Cat and we’re so excited to have him on our team. His pioneering designs and vision for the brand are sure to impress,” says Bad Cat partner, John Thompson. Peter is the founder of AMPETE ENGINEERING where he launched the first of its kind switching system for tube amplifiers, speaker cabinets and effects. Prior to taking the helm at Bad Cat, he served as Head of Engineering for Boutique Amps Distribution, developing products for Soldano, Tone King, Synergy and Wampler.
Jon Bingham, Director of Sales and Marketing, North America
Jon Bingham comes to Bad Cat with over 20 years of musical instrument industry experience to his role as Director of Sales and Marketing, North America. Jon will lead business development and oversee marketing initiatives for Bad Cat in the US and Canada. From the retail floor to mass distribution to boutique manufacturing, his range of experience and knowledge of the industry is invaluable to Bad Cat’s scalability and its team members. Previously, he led the sales effort for Boutique Amps Distribution. Jon brings a refreshed excitement and determination to expand Bad Cat’s presence in his new role. As he puts it, “This company is primed to grow. These amps are just too good.”
Matthew Smith, Director of International Business Development
Bad Cat is pleased to announce that Matthew Smith has joined Bad Cat as Director of International Business Development. Matthew will be responsible for growing international dealer partnerships across Europe, Asia, and Australia. He has a track record of adding continuous value to sales organizations and distributor relationships. For the last 23 years, Matthew has led Sales and Support for MESA/Boogie and when the company was acquired, he continued as the Product Specialist for Amps and Pedals for Gibson Brands, Inc. Matthew is a fantastic addition to Bad Cat, a company whose fiercely independent attitude, integrity and ambition matches his own. “I’m thrilled – I really feel like I’m in the right place with the right people. We’re going to make a lot of players around the world very happy,” Matthew says.
Francesco Longhi, Director of International Sales and Service
Francesco Longhi joins Bad Cat as the Director of International Sales and Service. He will manage
dealer relationships and oversee customer support in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Francesco’s broad range of skills and experience in brand management and client services make him an excellent addition to Bad Cat’s growing team. His career in the music instrument industry began at Mogar, a European multi-country distributor based in Milan, Italy where for 17 years he was the brand manager for leading companies such as Ibanez, MESA/Boogie, Nord, Ernie Ball, and DiMarzio. Before coming to Bad Cat, Francesco most recently was a sales and customer consultant for MESA/Boogie and then for Gibson Brands Inc. after the former was acquired. A company poised to reach new heights, Bad Cat welcomes Francesco’s passionate and pragmatic approach to expanding the brand. “Everywhere I look I see potential, commitment, and a genuine love for guitar tone at its finest,” he says.
