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Guy Balbaert, Ernie Ball Inc. Director of International Business

 


 



Ernie Ball Inc. Announces Appointment of Guy Balbaert
as Director of International Business


Company begins next phase of its strategic business plan and appoints industry veteran Guy Balbaert to spearhead a unified global business strategy for Ernie Ball, Music Man and Sterling by Music Man brands


(Coachella, CA – April 17, 2018) – Ernie Ball Inc. – the parent company of Ernie Ball, the iconic manufacturer of guitar strings, musical instrument accessories and volume pedals; Ernie Ball Music Man, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of American-made guitars and basses; and Sterling by Music Man, the company’s export line of music instruments – has appointed Guy Balbaert to the position of Director of International Business.  The announcement was made by Brian Ball, President of Ernie Ball Inc., and further underscores Ernie Ball’s ongoing expansion and growth as part of its long-term strategic business plan.

With a rich history in the M.I. sector, the appointment of Guy Balbaert represents a major addition to the Ernie Ball executive team, as he will work to spearhead the development and implementation of a unified global business strategy for Ernie Ball Music Man. Balbaert will be based in Belgium, which will provide the company a stronger global presence, and he will work closely with company President Brian Ball to ensure the ongoing growth and expansion of the Ernie Ball brands in the coming years.

“Guy has an accomplished career in the MI market sector and is a welcome addition to our team,” stated Brian Ball. “Guy brings incredible vision, leadership and communication skills – as well as expertise in international retail sales and marketing – which will help further Ernie Ball’s commitment to creating a unified global business strategy.”

Prior to joining Ernie Ball, Guy Balbaert led global marketing and sales efforts for leading brands in the music industry including Bose and JamHub, and he most recently held the position of Vice President of International Marketing for FACE distribution. 

"I'm very proud to join the team of good people of these iconic brands in our industry,” stated Guy Balbaert. “It's refreshing to see the drive and commitment this company has to stay at the top end of their game, particularly when it comes to product innovation/quality and market communication. I’m completely inspired to drive our success with distributors and partners in the world to the next level in years to come."

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Photo caption: Guy Balbaert, Ernie Ball Inc. Director of International Business

About Ernie Ball:
In 1962, veteran player and guitar teacher Ernie Ball created Slinkys®, the innovative light gauge electric guitar strings widely revered by thousands of iconic players including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Brad Paisley, Slash, John Petrucci, Angus Young and John Mayer. The strings are all crafted in Coachella, CA.  Ernie Ball also offers state-of-the-art instrument accessories that are carried in more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. and 120 countries worldwide.

Officially purchasing the Music Man® company in 1984, Sterling, joined later by his sons Scott and Brian, has built a team of dedicated professionals based in San Luis Obispo, CA who collectively share a common goal: crafting the highest level of hand-crafted instruments available.  Originally founded by Tom Walker, Forrest White and Leo Fender in 1974, Music Man built its name leading an industry revolution, introducing active electronics on its production instruments. As part of the team during the 70’s, Sterling Ball played an important role on the design and development of the iconic StingRay basses. 

The family-run company maintains its founder's dedication to preserving the musician's playing experience and delivering superior sound quality through the development of new products, such as Cobalt Slinkys, M-Steel, Earthwood and the revolutionary Element Shield Packaging, which hermetically seals guitar strings to keep each set as fresh as the day they were made. The company also fosters artist development through musician-focused programs such as the world's largest and longest running unsigned artist programs, where bands compete each year for the chance to play live on national tours, festivals and events. Visit them online at www.ernieball.com and www.music-man.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Robert Clyne | Clyne Media Inc.| Robert@clynemedia.com 

 


 

 

 







 

 

 

 

 


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