FENDER NAMES CHRISTINA STEJSKAL AS NEW CCO F ender has appointed Christina Stejskal as
chief communications officer. Reporting to CEO Edward “Bud” Cole and serving on the company’s executive leadership team, Stejskal will lead Fender’s global communications or- ganization, overseeing brand, consumer and
Christina Stejskal
product communications, internal communications, executive and board communications, creator and influencer strategy and corporate reputation. Stejskal previously spent nearly a decade at Fender, where she built and scaled the company’s global communications function. She led communications for many of Fender’s product launches and strategic initiatives, including the American Professional Series, the American Acoustasonic Telecaster and the launch of Fender’s first flagship store in Tokyo. She also established Fender’s first integrated creator and influencer communications strategy and helped broaden the brand’s reach through execu- tive thought leadership and lifestyle storytelling that connected with new generations of players and more diverse audiences. “I’m honored to return to Fender and join the executive lead- ership team,” Stejskal said. “Few brands have shaped music and culture the way Fender has. I’m excited to help tell the stories behind our people, our products and the players who inspire us every day, while helping write this iconic company’s next chapter.” {fender.com} KHS AMERICA APPOINTS NEW BRASS INSTRUMENT BRAND MANAGER K HS America has appointed Tom Mensch
Danny’s Guitar Shop Closes A fter nearly 20 years in business, Danny’s Guitar Shop has closed its doors as owner Dan Gold retires, marking the end of a longstanding independent music retailer that served generations of musicians through instrument sales, repairs and music education. Gold opened Danny’s Guitar Shop on Forrest Avenue in 2009 after two music stores in the Philadelphia area closed the previ- ous year. Having spent a decade working for Fender as a district sales manager, he saw an opportunity to create an independent neighborhood music store built on customer relationships and community engagement. “I left Fender after 10 great years as a DSM with the desire to open my own little neighborhood guitar shop with a special vibe,” Gold said. “The focus was lessons, new and used sales, repairs and being an active part of this little community of Narberth, just outside Philly.” The store specialized in the sale and service of new, used and vintage guitars, basses, amplifiers and ukuleles. Beyond retail, the shop employed experienced instructors who taught thousands of students over the course of the business. At its peak, the shop hosted approximately 80 music lessons each week, serving stu- dents ranging from young beginners to experienced adult players. Cultivating an inviting atmosphere was central to the store’s mission. Reflecting on the store’s impact, Gold said the store had a family clientele of all ages and backgrounds. Customers experienced a “warm, friendly and welcoming environment.” “We had some pros and hard-core rockers, including some big time musicians like Timothy B. Schmit, Dweezil Zappa, John Stir- ratt, Bill Kirchen and Steve Forbert,” Gold said. Gold said his retirement, combined with rising operating costs, ultimately led to the decision to close the business. Despite the circumstances surrounding the closure, Gold said the response from customers reinforced the impact the store had on the community. “I was really overwhelmed by the outpouring of love when I announced my retirement,” Gold shared. “Most people don’t get to hear that stuff when they’re still alive. It wasn’t your typical rock shop vibe. I’m a lifelong customer and lover of music stores. I wanted to have a fun place where people could feel the love of music and maybe hear a good story or joke.” — By Kimberly Kapela Dan Gold announced the closing of Danny’s Guitar Shop near Philadelphia.
as its new brass instrument brand man- ager. A seasoned trombonist, conductor and music educator with more than 30 years of experience, Mensch brings a combination of performance expertise, product knowledge and educational leadership to KHS America.
Tom Mensch
Mensch joins KHS America from Whitehouse Independent School District in Texas, where he served as director of bands and fine arts/communications learning leader from 2017–’25. He also currently serves as artistic director of the East Texas Youth Orchestra and adjunct trombone professor at Stephen F. Austin State University. “Tom brings an outstanding blend of performance experi- ence, educational leadership and strong relationships within the music community,” said Kevin Philbin, KHS America’s sales and marketing manager. “His passion for music education and decades of industry experience make him a tremendous addition to our team. We look forward to growing our brands with his expertise and insight.” {khs-america.com}
20 I MUSIC INC. I SEPTEMBER 2026
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