PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Clyne Media
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GUITAR CENTER PROMOTES MICHAEL DOYLE
TO VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT MARKETING
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA — Guitar Center, Inc.
(Nasdaq NMS: GTRC), the leading musical instrument and professional
audio retailer, has named Michael Doyle to the newly created position
of Vice President of Product Marketing. In his new role, Doyle will
focus on increasing Guitar Center sales and brand awareness worldwide
through product oriented marketing initiatives. He reports directly
to Jay Wanamaker, Executive Vice President and General Merchandise Manager
for Guitar Center.
Doyle will work closely with all Guitar Center Merchandising
divisions to identify specific products that lend themselves to additional
marketing focus, and coordinate targeted marketing efforts via mass
market media, Guitar Center specific and music industry channels. To
ensure continuing success in this arena, Doyle will further coordinate
GC marketing efforts with the company's strategic advertising placements
and online presence for maximum effect.
Doyle has 25 years of international experience in the
music industry and has authored three books about guitar amplification
— two devoted specifically to the reputable Marshall Amplification
brand. He started his formal music career as Purchasing Manager at Korg
UK’s London headquarters. In 1986 Doyle moved to the U.S. where
he joined Korg USA as Product Manager for Marshall, progressing to District
Sales Manager for the West Coast. He represented Fender Musical Instruments
as Regional Sales Manager beginning in 1995 until joining Guitar Center
in 2003 as Director of Merchandising, Guitars and Amplifiers.
Jay Wanamaker commented, “Michael's new position
reflects Guitar Center’s commitment to raising the profile of
musical instruments in the mind of consumers worldwide through creative
marketing, while at the same time differentiating ourselves in an increasingly
competitive marketplace. With his successful management of many significant
product launches such as the Eric Clapton Gibson 335 and Fender 'Blackie'
Stratocaster Tribute, Michael has proven he is just the person to make
this happen.”
…ends 293 words
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the leading United States retailer of guitars, amplifiers,
percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment.
Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 200 Guitar Center stores
across the United States. In addition, our Music & Arts division
operates more than 95 stores specializing in band instruments for sale
and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and
students. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical
instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary,
Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and website, www.musiciansfriend.com.
More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's
web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center,
Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective
companies with which they are associated.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Clyne at Clyne Media Inc. at (615) 662-1616