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GUITAR CENTER PROMOTES MICHAEL DOYLE
TO VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT MARKETINGWESTLAKE 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.”
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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.
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