FENDER MUSIC KOREA TO LEAD DIRECT MARKET OPERATIONS UNDER NEWLY APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER JACK KIM F ender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has es-
confident that Fender Music Korea will continue to support the market with the same commitment to qual- ity and innovation that musicians in Korea have come to expect.” “It has been an honor to repre- sent Gretsch, EVH, Charvel and Jackson in Korea,” said William Park, CEO of PK International Inc.
tablished Fender Music Korea (FMK) a new, wholly owned and operated subsidiary dedicated to managing all direct-to-dealer and direct-to-consumer operations for FMIC products in Korea, includ- ing the Fender, Fender Custom
Jack Kim
Shop, Squier, Gretsch, EVH, Charvel and Jackson brands. FMK will be the exclusive distributor of FMIC products in Korea be- ginning Oct. 1. The subsidiary will be led by general manager Jack Kim, who will report to Edward “Bud” Cole, president of Asia Pacific for Fender. “We are incredibly grateful to Guitarnet and PK International for their exceptional stewardship of FMIC’s brands,” Cole said. “We aim to build on Fender’s already strong legacy in Korea to create even more excite- ment and growth for dealers and consumers.” “As a valued partner of FMIC, we are proud of the success we’ve achieved to- gether for the Fender, Fender Custom Shop and Squier brands in the Korean market,” said John Park, CEO of Guitarnet. “We are
(Tone Quest). “Starting with Gretsch, and gradually expanding our partnership with FMIC to cover all of its sister brands, we are proud of what we have achieved together. We are confident that Fender Music Korea will continue to drive growth and inspire musicians throughout Korea.” Fender Music Korea’s purpose is to align more closely with FMIC’s global strategies, providing access to FMIC brands while ensuring consistency in marketing, customer service, and artist support, and managing all aspects of sales, artist rela- tions, and direct-to-consumer outreach to drive growth in Korea. The establishment of Fender Music Korea has been planned to ensure no disruption for dealers or consumers. {fender.com}
John Packer’s Managing Director Meets King Charles III Rob Hanson (left), managing director of John Packer Musical Instruments, speaks with King Charles III during a reception at Windsor Castle. J ohn Packer Musical Instruments, the U.K.-based musical instrument manufacturer, distributor and retailer, recently received royal recognition as the company’s managing director, Rob Hanson, met with His Majesty the King. Hanson attended a reception at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, where he spoke with King Charles III, as well as HRH The Princess Royal and HRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The reception came after John Packer Musical Instruments won the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, recognizing the outstanding international growth of the business. This is the second time JP Musical Instruments has won the award, having received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2018. “Attending the royal reception at Windsor Castle was a huge honor, and it was a pleasure to chat with His Majesty the King and other members of the royal family about the work of John Packer Musical Instruments,” Hanson said. “The King showed great interest in the growth of the company and took time to discuss its continued progress in what is a fast-paced and continually-evolving international trading landscape.” The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognizing outstanding U.K. businesses. The Award program, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the U.K., with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards
PRS GUITARS HIRES LOVE-BIVENS AS ARTIST RELATIONS MANAGER P RS Guitars has named Lind- say Love-Bivens its artist
her role. She has been a performing guitar player across multiple genres, in addition to several years of ex- perience in guitar production and repair. Love-Bivens has held senior leadership roles at large churches, so she has strong ties within the wor- ship music community. She has also worked as a diversity and culture
relations manager, effective immediately. She will report to Bev Fowler, director of artist and community relations. Previously, Love-Bivens served as artist rela- tions and partnerships manager at Taylor Guitars.
Lindsay Love-Bivens
“We’re excited to welcome Lindsay to the PRS artist relations team,” Fowler said. “She brings with her a wealth of guitar knowledge and a longstanding admiration for PRS, making her a natural fit for the role. Her strong reputation in the industry speaks for itself, and we’re confident she’ll be a valuable addition to our team.” Love-Bivens brings more than 20 years of experience and a mix of credentials to
advisor to multiple organizations. “As a longtime fan of PRS, the company and the exceptional instruments, working with their internal team and incredible roster of talented artists is a dream come true. It also allows me to grow into the electric guitar side of the industry, which is thrilling,” Love-Bivens said. I’m ready to start connecting with artists immediately.” {prsguitars.com}
Emblem for the next five years. {jpmusicalinstruments.com}
16 I MUSIC INC. I AUGUST 2025
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