Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced on July 12 that its recently established subsidiary, Fender Music Australia Pty Ltd. (“Fender Music Australia”), will launch on August 1, 2016 and begin direct-to-dealer operations in an effort to streamline growth and strategic direction within the market. Fender Music Australia will manage all aspects of FMIC’s brands directly in Australia and will ultimately report to Edward “Bud” Cole, Fender President, Asia.
Fender Australia’s Margaret and David O’Loughlin will retire from their current roles. O’Loughlin has been a name associated with Fender Musical Instruments since the 60’s when Peter O’Loughlin acquired the distribution rights from CBS. After his untimely passing, his wife, Margaret and their Son David have built and maintained the iconic brand’s market position for over 35 years. Peter O’Loughlin was a founding member of the Australian Music Association back in 1977. Margaret, also a past-president of the AMA, will enjoy a well earned retirement. Australian Musician wishes Margaret, David and the family well for the future, and we thank them for what they have done for music and the industry. The O’Loughlin family will say goodbye to their Botany office on July 31.
Last night, at it’s Melbourne dealer meeting to announce the change in business, Fender CEO, Andy Mooney, promised business as usual in Australia, with an increased commitment to marketing the Fender brand, including common global release dates of new product and a significant investment in and focus on social media and online marketing. He maintained the guitar business had a bright future with demand for quality and innovative products stronger over the last year. Mooney also acknowledged the loyal service Margaret and David have given to Fender.
“On behalf of Fender, I want to express my personal gratitude and thanks to Margaret and David,” he said last night. “They have both been unparalleled champions of Fender’s brand in Australia over three decades and we are very much committed to carrying on the legacy they have built here.”