FMIC Names Kaplan First Ever Chief Digital Products Officer

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has hired Ethan Kaplan as its first chief digital products officer.

Kaplan will be tasked with building a new global digital products division to support the long-term growth and expansion of the Fender® brand and to create deeper connections with its global community of players. 

“We are very pleased to add Ethan to our management team,” said Andy Mooney, Fender’s chief executive officer. “We see a tremendous opportunity to expand the brand into new digital product categories and services that will build on our leadership position with consumers and help us realize the full potential of the brand. Ethan’s experience and skillsets make him a great addition to the team and will serve us well as we work to build and better serve a more connected and engaged community of players globally.”

Kaplan brings an impressive background to the company, with nearly 20 years experience building brands and driving growth across music, technology and digital product development. 

Most recently, Kaplan served as senior vice president and general manager of Music at Gracenote, a Tribune media company. Prior to Gracenote, Kaplan was head of Product, Technology and Engineering at Live Nation Entertainment’s Labs division, the world’s leading live music company. There, he was responsible for growing the organization and re-launching Live Nation’s consumer facing properties. 

Before Live Nation, Kaplan served as Senior Vice President of Technology for Warner Bros. Records and Warner Music Group, where he drove technology initiatives for Warner’s roster of artists and labels, implemented critical business and tactical intelligence tools and developed the company’s approach to fan engagement. 

“I am very excited to work for a brand dedicated to the creation of music,” said Kaplan. “The Fender brand means so much to so many people, especially me. I look forward to extending Fender’s reach into the digital realm in a meaningful way that resonates with consumers all over the world.”

Kaplan will be based in Los Angeles.