Michael Doyle is a Former SVP Guitars Merchandising and Strategic Partnerships. Colleagues describe him as "Whether in the musical instruments business or in any other business category where a keen understanding of deep-rooted company culture and the dynamics of long-term brand loyalty are essential to sustained business growth, Michael Doyle is as absolutely good as it gets. Across the past twenty years working with Michael on all six of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals, and I think I can safely speak for the broader Clapton organization in saying this, he is among the very best business partners we’ve ever had. His vast knowledge of the musical instruments industry and understanding of the design and performance of the world’s leading guitar brands was unparalleled, but that alone is not what made him so invaluable to Crossroads. Rather, it was his understanding of the importance of aligning the business objectives of Guitar Center and its key guitar and gear suppliers with Eric’s global communication and charitable revenue development goals for his Crossroads Guitar Festivals, in aid of the Crossroads Center Antigua. Because of that, he was able to help mastermind the best approach to each festival, sensitive to the economic environment when each was staged, bridging the global pandemic and culminating in the largest and best-ever Crossroads Guitar Festival in LA last September. Michael also conceived and launched the high-end, limited edition Crossroads Collections of exact replicas of Eric Clapton’s most iconic and historically important Fender, Gibson, and Martin instruments, creating an entirely new and lucrative category in the guitar industry that is widely emulated by artists all over the world today. And finally, he did it all with the grace and sense of fair play of the British gentleman that he truly is, with genuine compassion for both the Crossroads charity and, more broadly, Eric’s 60-year career and the impact he has had on multiple generations of music lovers and guitar players, from novices to the next generation of superstar artists. Michael understood so well that connecting the dots between those generations sold more guitars and concert tickets. Equally importantly, Michael has always been truly beloved by his colleagues and clients, both in the C-suites and on the showroom floors, because he understands and genuinely cares about them and elevates their interests and needs above his own. Simply put, he knows that great teams lead to ultimate company success, with the unshakable culture and brand loyalty to sustain that success. We’re going to profoundly miss Michael’s leadership, ingenuity and partnership at Guitar Center, but we can’t wait to work with him again in whatever venture he chooses next. ~ Terry Hummel, Vashon Island Partners / Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2023", "I had the privilege to report directly to Michael Doyle as Guitar Center’s Director of Merchandising for their Premium Stringed Instruments division. Michael is a visionary leader, dedicated to mentoring and inspiring his team at all levels. He takes a passionate interest in the professional development of each individual on this team, generously sharing his extensive experience in product development, merchandising and sales. Integrity is a hallmark of his leadership style, always considering what is right for the customer, the vendor community, and the enterprise. His ability to adjust scope between high concept ideation and precision analysis makes him a rare and valuable asset, driving strategic initiatives and projects from vision to completion. I’m grateful to have been hired by Michael and mentored by him. I attribute a great amount of my professional value to Michael and thank him for inspiring me to be an impactful, intelligent, moral leader with a warm heart.", and "Michael is the ultimate professional and is someone who I've valued as one of our company's closest and most reliable partners. Michael's always seeing to do business under the premise of "doing the right thing." He knows how to handle challenging situations in the most mature, respectful, and intelligent way, always seeking for solutions that provide a win-win scenario. At Guitar Center, Michael brings a tremendous knowledge of the product, merchandising, marketing, and virtually all aspects of everything retail. A tremendous asset and partner, and someone I consider a dear friend."