Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Names Edward 'Bud' Cole as New CEO in Strategic Leadership Transition

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Announces New CEO

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), the iconic American guitar manufacturer based in California, has officially announced the appointment of Edward “Bud” Cole as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 19, 2026. He will step into the role full-time following the departure of current CEO Andy Mooney, who has effectively transformed the company over the past decade.

Edward Cole currently serves as the President of Fender's Asia-Pacific region and brings decades of international experience in consumer goods and luxury brands. During his tenure with FMIC, spanning ten years, he has led substantial business expansions across 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, implementing vital growth strategies for Fender.

Fluent in both English and Japanese, Cole's extensive global leadership experience positions him uniquely to enhance Fender's worldwide presence. Under his stewardship, the company established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Tokyo, crafted a robust commercial and operational framework for the region, and significantly improved operational efficiency and brand control through direct sales models in markets like Australia. Furthermore, he has championed the expansion into Mainland China and Korean markets, advancing a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) approach via e-commerce to propel long-term growth strategies.

Cole also played a pivotal role in launching Fender Flagship Tokyo in Harajuku, redefining retail strategy through immersive customer experiences. Additionally, he has created a strong artist ecosystem throughout the Asia-Pacific region, driving product innovations that resonate globally. This includes the launch of high-quality Made in Japan products that have reinforced Fender’s cultural stature and credibility within the region.

Before joining FMIC, Cole held senior roles at leading global brands like Pernod Ricard, LVMH, QVC, and Ralph Lauren, overseeing brand development and commercial expansion in international markets. His vision, fortified by years of experience managing and building world-class brands, is essential for FMIC as it continues to evolve.

Mark Fukunaga, Executive Chairman of FMIC's Board, noted, “Bud has been one of the most influential leaders in our organization. His deep understanding of the Fender brand, alongside his familiarity with the foundational business and operational aspects critical to our future growth, makes him the right person to lead this next chapter.” He also expressed gratitude to Andy Mooney for his exceptional contributions during his tenure.

Since taking the helm in 2015, Mooney has successfully doubled the company's size and reinforced its status as a leader in the music industry. His innovative approaches, including the foray into subscription-based digital software, have proved pivotal to FMIC’s evolution.

Commenting on his departure, Mooney expressed, “Leading Fender has been a unique experience in my career. I am deeply grateful to the creativity and dedication of the Fender teams around the world. I am excited to pass the baton to Bud and am confident he will continue to inspire the next generation of players.”

Having been a lifelong music enthusiast, Cole recalls purchasing his first Fender guitar—a restoration of the 'Fender Made In Japan 1969 Thinline® Telecaster®'—as a teenager, and still cherishes it today. This personal connection to Fender and his thorough understanding of the player community form the bedrock of his leadership philosophy.

In his statement, Cole remarked, “It is an immense honor to lead Fender. The brand has been a part of my life since childhood. I promise to continue supporting players worldwide, from beginners picking up their first guitar to artists shaping the sounds of today and tomorrow. Along with our global team, partners, and the passionate Fender community, we will build the next chapter of Fender's rich history.”

Cole’s upcoming leadership role signifies the start of a new chapter for Fender as it continues to expand its global efforts and deepen its commitment to the player community, shaping the future of music worldwide. Established in 1946, Fender has revolutionized the music world as a leading instrument manufacturer and distributor, owning notable brands like FENDER®, SQUIER®, GRETSCH®, JACKSON®, and others. FMIC remains dedicated to creating high-quality instruments and digital experiences that resonate with players, further solidifying its commitment as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.