IRVINE, California, April 4, 2014 – McDermott & Bull, a Southern California-based retained executive search firm, announced today the successful appointment of Ms. Jo Ann Crabtree as Director of Training and Development with Taylor Guitars in El Cajon, California.

This executive recruiting engagement was conducted by Craig Lipus, Partner at McDermott & Bull Executive Search. According to Mr. Lipus, “Jo Ann brings a significant background in training and development to this newly created role at Taylor Guitars. Jo Ann has demonstrated numerous times over the course of her career her ability to adapt and make significant contributions to the success of the companies she has worked with. Critical to her success will be her ability to understand and assimilate the rich history of Taylor Guitars into a future of uncompromising quality, value, and integrity in the training and development function.”

Ms. Crabtree is an experienced learning and development professional who has a strong background in leading training and development teams. She has worked in manufacturing environments and has had success establishing onboarding programs and working as a coach with senior management. Prior to her placement with Taylor Guitars, Ms. Crabtree worked for Sony Electronics, Inc. and Choices Consulting.

Ms. Crabtree is currently working on her Bachelor of Science degree in International Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She has an Associates of Arts degree in General Education from Palomar Community College and completed the Women Unlimited Leadership Program. Ms. Crabtree also possesses various training certificates.

About Taylor Guitar

Established in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, Taylor Guitars (www.taylorguitars.com) has evolved into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium acoustic and electric guitars. Headquartered in El Cajon, California, Taylor Guitars employs over 700 people and currently produces hundreds of guitars per day in its state-of-the-art factory complexes in both El Cajon and in Tecate, Mexico. The company maintains an active dealer network with Taylor guitars available in over 800 retail locations in North America and international distribution to 60 countries, including a distribution warehouse in the Netherlands. Renowned for blending an innovative use of modern technology with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, Taylor guitars are widely considered the best sounding and easiest to play in the world.

About McDermott & Bull

McDermott & Bull, Inc. (www.mbsearch.com) is a retained executive search firm headquartered in Irvine, California. The firm serves both public and privately held clients in a variety of industries and functional areas. McDermott & Bull has developed expertise in fields including Technology, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services, and others. Founded by Rodney McDermott and Christopher Bull, the firm specializes in recruiting difficult-to-find and critical senior level talent for its clients. McDermott & Bull has worked with a large number of prestigious clients including AECOM, Broadcom, First American Financial, Allergan, Panda Express, Anaheim Ducks, Stamps.com, Local Corp, ICV Medical, and Taylor Guitars.