Bill Mendello

Bill Mendello retired as president of Fender Musical Instrument Corp in the fall of 2010 after a long career in the industry. He was hired in the accounting department of CBS Musical Instrument Division in 1978. Bill soon began working with Bill Schultz who was hired by the president of the musical division of CBS in order to help the Fender Guitar segment of the company, which had been neglected for several years. Within a few years CBS announced they were going to sell Fender. Bill and Bill pulled a team together to purchase the company, which they did. The new owners outlined a five year plan to bring Fender back as an industry leader. Bill Mendello was proud to have worked side by side with Bill Schultz for so many years. When Mr. Schultz retired, Bill took over as president and stayed in that position until 2010.