Musical Instrument Industry Mourns the Passing of Fender’s Legendary William ‘Bill’ Schultz
News FeedWilliam “Bill” Schultz, the man best known for his legendary business turnaround of the iconic Fender(R) brand name, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 21, at his Scottsdale, Ariz., home in the presence of his loving family.
In 1985, Schultz led an employee leveraged buyout of Fender Musical Instruments from then-owner CBS Inc. The company, whose products include the Stratocaster(R), Telecaster(R) and Precision Bass(R) guitars that have been played by musicians from around the world for more than 60 years, was in steady decline under CBS management.
Schultz and his team set out to restore the company’s former glory, and in the 20 years under his direction, they had taken it from a small general office and warehouse in Brea, Calif., to its current position as the global industry leader, with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in two countries and offices around the world. Schultz also served as chairman of the board for Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (”FMIC”). In the days to come, the FMIC board of directors will name a successor.
Said William Mendello, the current CEO of Fender and long-time friend of Schultz, “It is hard to imagine where Fender would be without the vision, passion and belief of Bill Schultz. He led one of the greatest turnarounds in American business history, and I will always be inspired by his leadership, his role as a guiding force in the success of Fender, and his unwavering friendship throughout the years.”
Schultz’s death comes as a result of a 17-year battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.
Schultz is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Jane Schultz, his children Kathi Knop, Karen Thomas and her husband Ralph Thomas, his grandchildren Christopher Knop, Jeffrey Thomas and his wife Melissa, Marianne Thomas, Natalie Thomas, Julie Thomas and Meredith Thomas, and his two great-grandchildren, Kate and Emily Thomas.
The Schultz family will hold a private memorial service in the coming days for immediate family only. It has been requested that flowers not be sent. In lieu of flowers, the Schultz family will be providing a list of charities that pay respect to Bill’s life as well as respect the family’s wishes. For more information, please visit www.fender.com/billschultz.
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