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Guitar World
Guitar World
Entertainment
Michael Astley-Brown

“2026 is going to be in the record books as one of the most exciting years for Fender”: Fender has announced its new CEO – what does it mean for the future of the iconic guitar brand? We met Edward ‘Bud’ Cole to find out

Fender Edward Bud Cole Japan Fender Japan Andy Mooney Guitar World Tokyo
Edward ‘Bud’ Cole poses with his 1969 Made-in-Japan Telecaster Thinline Reissue.

“My very first real job interview out of college was with Fender as a PR assistant. I didn’t get the job! Everything really has come full circle for me.”

Edward ‘Bud’ Cole ain’t kidding. Today, Guitar World can exclusively reveal that the longtime President of Fender Asia Pacific is taking over as CEO of Fender Music Corporation. He replaces current leader Andy Mooney, who is retiring after 10 years at the top.

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