Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has promoted industry veteran Richard McDonald to executive vice president, Fender Brand. The move represents a larger strategic shift that aims to improve alignment and better unifies all aspects of the Fender brand under one executive. McDonald’s responsibility now expands beyond Fender electric guitars, amplifiers and pro audio equipment, to also include Fender acoustic products and Fender accessories, allowing the brand to be optimized for growth.
“Richard is a unique talent with an impressive blend of industry experience, creative capacity, strong business instincts and leadership traits,” said FMIC’s interim CEO and board member Scott Gilbertson. “With this strategic change in how the Fender brand operates within the larger organization, we are excited about the positive momentum and benefits it will bring to the business, our dealers and most importantly our consumers.”
“It is an exciting time to be part of Fender’s ongoing legacy and to be looking to the future with such positive energy pointed toward even greater success,” said McDonald. “Fender was founded on a platform of product excellence and innovation through customer engagement. We will remain focused on fulfilling the needs of our customers and creating the most inspirational musical products possible.”
McDonald most recently served as Senior Vice President, Fender Brand, and has been with the company in a variety of key positions since 1993, rising from an entry-level position to his current executive role. Among his many accomplishments at FMIC, McDonald served as Fender amplification and audio marketing manager (1997 – 2000) and vice president of electric guitars (2000 – 2002), an especially creative period during which he was instrumental in developing some of Fender’s most successful products. Prior to joining Fender, McDonald was a successful touring guitarist and Fender endorser.
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