Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Names New President and COO

Press release
Source: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)

Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC), the world's foremost manufacturer of guitars, amplifiers and related equipment, today announced the appointment of Matthew Janopaul to the position of president & chief operating officer.

Janopaul has played a critical role in FMIC's growth, having served as a strategic advisor to the company since 2001. In 2004, Janopaul joined FMIC's board as director and chairman of its audit committee, and he has been integral to recent strategic acquisitions, as well as to the expansion of the company's global distribution in Europe and Asia.

In his new position, Janopaul will initially oversee the company's corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and accounting functions.

"Simply put, Matt has the intelligence, perspective, drive and passion seldom found these days that sets him apart and makes him the perfect choice for this responsibility," said Bill Mendello, FMIC's chief executive officer. "We at FMIC are fortunate enough to have a number of highly gifted executives that have certainly driven our remarkable success." Janopaul is based in FMIC's global headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Prior to joining FMIC, Janopaul served as general partner with Weston Presidio, a $3.3 billion global venture capital firm with offices in San Francisco, Boston and Menlo Park. He has been actively involved in management buyouts, recapitalizations, leveraged consolidations and growth financings across the consumer, industrial, service and publishing sectors. Janopaul was also involved with Weston Presidio's investments in FMIC, Herald Media, CurtCo Robb Media LLC, MediaQ, Silego Technology and Star Manufacturing International.

Janopaul earned his B.A. in economics from Duke University, and his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He was awarded the Kauffman Fellowship by the Kansas City-based Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

"The growth FMIC has experienced has been truly extraordinary," said Janopaul. "In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing the expansion of our iconic brands in both domestic and international markets. We believe the Fender brand represents more than just guitars and amplifiers but a lifestyle that is embraced by enthusiastic customers worldwide."

Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC) is the world's foremost manufacturer of guitars, amplifiers and related equipment. Since 1946, the name Fender has become synonymous with all things rock 'n' roll: from Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton to Kurt Cobain and everything in between. Fender's iconic instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known the world over as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized among today's hottest guitarists and collectors alike. FMIC markets using the brand names Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Benedetto®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, SWR®, Tacoma®, Olympia®, Orpheum® and Rodriguez(TM).