As the Director of Guitar R&D at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Steven Thomas brings over a decade of experience and a wealth of expertise in product development and engineering management. His role is pivotal in steering multimillion-dollar projects that shape the future of iconic musical...
As the Director of Guitar R&D at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Steven Thomas brings over a decade of experience and a wealth of expertise in product development and engineering management. His role is pivotal in steering multimillion-dollar projects that shape the future of iconic musical instruments. Steven's journey began with managing CAD designers, where he honed his skills in design and manufacturing processes. Now, he leads a diverse team of multi-disciplined employees across various locations, ensuring that every project aligns with customer expectations while adhering to budget and schedule constraints.
Steven's leadership style is characterized by a commitment to continuous improvement and the effective application of lean tools and processes. He conducts weekly "Scrum" sprint planning sessions, fostering an agile environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. By assigning and delegating project tasks strategically, he empowers his team to excel and meet the dynamic demands of the music industry. His keen understanding of manufacturing process improvement not only enhances productivity but also drives the development of high-quality instruments that resonate with musicians worldwide.
In addition to his technical acumen, Steven is passionate about teamwork and the creative aspects of music, which he integrates into his leadership approach. His expertise in bass and recording adds a unique perspective to his role, allowing him to connect with both the engineering team and the musicians who rely on Fender's products. As he continues to push the boundaries of guitar design and functionality, Steven remains dedicated to fostering an environment where innovation thrives, ensuring Fender remains at the forefront of the musical instruments industry.
