🎸 Hey rockstars! Gear up for some electrifying news from the world of music! Fender, the legendary guitar maker out of Los Angeles, has a new captain at the helm! Meet Edward ‘Bud’ Cole, ready to take over as Fender’s new CEO, starting on January 19, 2026. Yup, the same Fender that gifted us with those iconic Stratocasters and amps that make your favorite tunes come alive!
🔥 After a decade of rocking the CEO seat, Andy Mooney, the man who steered Fender through a digital revolution, is passing the torch. Under Mooney’s lead, Fender launched the ultra-cool Fender Play and Fender Studio apps, letting you learn, jam, and record like a pro!
🌏 So, who's Bud Cole? He’s not just a suit. Bud is a lifelong musician with serious love for Fender’s legendary guitars. From shredding on his first Fender acoustic to amping up the crafty Fender Made-in-Japan 1969 Thinline Telecaster, Bud's got the chops!
🎶 Before joining the Fender fam in 2015, Bud rocked leadership gigs across the globe with brands like Ralph Lauren and LVMH. But what’s cooler than launching Fender’s first flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo, and turning up the volume in 14 APAC markets? Oh, and did we mention his first job interview was with Fender? Dreams do come true!
🏆 Mark Fukunaga from Fender's board says Bud's the perfect pick to take Fender into the future, calling him one of the most impactful leaders. We’re talking building epic teams and spreading that Fender vibe worldwide!
🎉 So, get ready for Bud's thrilling ride as he strums Fender into its next chapter of awesomeness, keeping us all inspired and ready to jam. Cheers to Andy, and mega cheers to Bud – we can't wait to see what riffs they come up with next!
🕒 As Fender hits 80 years in the game, they're strumming louder than ever, with a killer portfolio including Squier, Gretsch Guitars, and more. Cue the spotlight for Fender’s newest era! Are you ready to rock?