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Harman Professional Appoints Smith General Manager

Batliner Appointed US Sales Leader for HARMAN’s AKG

John Batliner has assumed additional responsibility as US AKG Sales Leader in addition to his role as senior director, Sales, Amplifiers BU. In this role, Batliner will be responsible for developing the new US AKG sales structure, driving AKG sales revenue and working closely with channel partners and dealers in the US to ensure the highest level of customer engagement and satisfaction.

Young Chang Expands Clutter’s Territory

Young Chang ha announced the expansion of territory for Lori Clutter, YC's northeastern representative. Clutter will now cover the following states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, W. Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

Fishman names Norton Vice President of Retail Sales

Fishman has appointed Bill Norton as VP of Retail Sales. Formerly a professional musician with an extensive background in global distribution and sales, Norton brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Prior to joining Fishman, Norton spent several years as COO at New Hampshire-based Earthworks Microphones.

Personnel Shifts at Young Chang North America

Glenn Clutter has rejoined the sales team at Young Chang North America. He will be representing Young Chang, Weber, Albert Weber and Kurzweil pianos in the Southeastern United States - including Texas. Clutter has had an extensive career as a manufacturer’s representative in the piano industry. "I'm excited to be joining the team at HDC Young Chang North America. The company has made an incredible commitment and investment in an optimal new scale design and new products throughout the line. This is an exciting opportunity to help dealers improve their sales numbers and profits in both acoustic and digitals."

Zildjian Names Sapienza Executive VP

The Zildjian Company has announced Mark Sapienza will join its management team as executive vice president, overseeing the company’s sales, marketing, and product management functions worldwide.           

Yamaha Names Larpenteur Guitar Product Specialist

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) has appointed Chris Larpenteur to the position of guitar product specialist for Yamaha Guitars, effective immediately. Larpenteur will be responsible for educating dealers about new products and sales methods, conducting regular store inventories to help identify sales opportunities and serving as an intermediary between Yamaha and retail personnel. He will report to Dennis Webster, manager of marketing, Pro Audio & Combo Division at YCA.

Sonaré Pro Brass Names Allen Sales Director

Anthem Names Sarcia Director of Sales

Anthem Musical Instruments has appointed Frank Sarcia as director of sales. Sarcia has worked in the music products industry for over 25 years, holding sales management positions for many companies including Sonaré Winds, Avid/Digidesign, Lexicon and Genelec. Frank has also enjoyed a 30+ year career as a pro musician and music educator.

Fender Names Price VP of North American Sales

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has appointed Tony Price to the position of vice president of North American sales.

In this role, Price will have sales responsibility for FMI and specialty brands across all channels, and KMC fretted brands for national accounts through inside sales and FMIC’s regional and district sales manager structure.

Price brings a successful track record of running FMIC’s national accounts business and offers extensive prior work experience as vice president of Microphones Worldwide for Bosch; director of the Americas for Bose Professional, and vice president of Guitar Center Pro Audio.

Yamaha Names Fisher Marketing Manager for Electronic Drums

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) has appointed Steven Fisher to the position of marketing manager for electronic drums. His primary responsibility will be to advance the market for the company’s DTX drums and he will report to Athan Billias, director of marketing, Pro Audio & Combo Division at YCA.

Fishman Names Kronewitter Key Accounts Manager

As part of a concerted effort to grow and optimize their sales team, Fishman has recruited Ron Kronewitter as key accounts manager. In his new position, Kronewitter will be responsible for handling major retail accounts including Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, and Sam Ash, as well as a number of other important independent dealers.