DONNER NAMES GUITARIST MIYAVI AS ITS NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR D onner has appointed Japanese guitarist Mi-
headquarters and factory, I could feel how much the staff had dedicated themselves to their work and product- making. With Donner, there are many possibilities for me. The most exciting part is freedom. We can create
Yamaha’s Heather Mansell (left) and Fishman’s Chris DeMaria.
yavi as its new creative director. Effective now, the guitar player will be responsible for the design and creative direction of Donner’s various musical instrument lines.
Miyavi
something not only like a guitar or a pedal, but also something entirely different, as if it came from another planet. That’s why, as the creative director, I truly believe in the potential and possibilities of those who work hard. As long as you have a pure spirit and a fire in your heart, you can go anywhere. I felt this at Donner. So, that’s why I’m here, not only as a guitarist but as a musician and a creator. That’s my mission in this role.” “I am thrilled to welcome Miyavi back as our new creative director, following our successful collaborations at the 2024 Music China show,” said Yiming Wen, Donner’s vice president of brand marketing. “His innovative vision, extending beyond music, is sure to guide Donner into an exciting new era.” {donnermusic.com}
The appointment of Miyavi aligns with Donner’s status as a music technology brand, further highlighting the brand’s values of continuous innovation, explora- tion and discovery. “When I was young, the guitar was a weapon to conquer the obstacles in my life. Now, it is a bridge between me and the world, allowing me to deliver my messages and express myself and my feelings,” Miyavi said. “At this point, it’s not about technique but about how con- nected you are with your instrument. It doesn’t have to be a guitar; it could be a keyboard, a pedal, a microphone or a drum set. We use these instruments to express ourselves freely.” He continued, “When I visited Donner’s
GAMA Welcomes 2 New Board Members T he Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) has added two new board members for 2024-2025. Yamaha’s Heather Mansell and Fishman’s Chris DeMaria have both joined the GAMA board just as the organization gears up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Teaching Guitar Workshop program in 2025. Mansell is currently the manager of segment marketing/education at Yamaha Corp. of America. With a career spanning more than 25 years, Mansell has built a strong record across multiple facets of the music industry, including product management, strategic partnerships and marketing leadership. She began her career in retail at Shar Music, after which she became strings product specialist for Yamaha Canada before joining Yamaha Corp. of America as product manager. Recognized for her leadership, she was awarded one of the inaugural Women of NAMM professional development scholarships in 2020. DeMaria is a seasoned marketing professional with 30 years of experience in branding, artist and entertainment relations, promotions, strategic advertising, and media partnerships. He has spent the past 20 years as the head of marketing for Fishman Transducers. In addition to growing the brand through effective marketing strategies, he has built an artist roster that reflects a range of genres and performers. DeMaria continues to serve Fishman as vice president of marketing and artist relations, supported by a marketing team based in Andover, Massachusetts, and Nashville, Tennessee. {discoverguitar.com}
20 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2024
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