September 26, 2025 I Appointments
Martin Announces Retirements, New Leadership Appointments
Clockwise from left: Nathan Eckhart, Linda M. Fonner, Mitchell Nollman and Dennis Webster.
C. F. Martin & Co. has announced the retirements of two top executives and named their successors. Nathan Eckhart, chief financial officer, and Mitchell Nollman, vice president of sales, will be retiring at the end of the year following long stints with the company. In their place, the company named Linda M. Fonner, CPA, as incoming vice president and chief financial officer, and Dennis Webster as incoming vice president of sales and customer engagement.
“On behalf of the company, I would like to say thank you to Mitchell and Nathan for their many significant contributions to Martin Guitar during their time with us, and I wish them a well-deserved retirement,” said Thomas Ripsam, Martin’s president and CEO said. “I would also like to welcome Linda and Dennis, two proven leaders, who will now step into these two critical roles and help us continue to write the next successful chapter for the company.”
Fonner is a seasoned finance executive with more than 25 years of experience in global manufacturing, financial services and private equity-backed businesses. She has held senior roles at Edmund Optics, Atotech and West Pharmaceutical Services, most recently serving as CFO of a $300 million global manufacturer.
“I’ve long admired Martin’s legacy and the values it represents,” Fonner said. “This role not only aligns with my professional experience but connects deeply with my personal history. I’m honored to join this iconic company and contribute to its continued success.”
Eckhart, Martin’s CFO since 2010, guided the company to some of its most profitable years in its long and storied history.
“It’s been an honor to work for the most legendary brand in the music industry alongside a talented and dedicated group of co-workers,” Eckhart said. “I wish Linda and the entire Martin team all the best in carrying on the Martin tradition.”
Webster will assume the vice president of sales and customer engagement role after six years with Martin managing national account sales and leading key initiatives. With nearly three decades of sales and leadership experience at leading guitar brands, he brings deep industry knowledge.
“I am truly honored and privileged to step into the role of Vice President of Sales and Customer Engagement at Martin,” Webster said. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Mitchell Nollman has established and to working alongside our talented sales and service teams to drive continued growth and success. Together, we will carry forward Martin’s legacy while leading the company into an exciting future.”
Nollman, who headed global sales at Martin for nearly a decade, helped the company achieve record sales levels.
“Working at Martin with incredible co-workers, customers, and now friends has been both an honor and the thrill of my career,” Nollman said. “It’s wonderful to know that the sales team and company will be in Dennis Webster’s capable hands.”
