TLDR: Daniel Nash, Product Manager at Guitar Center, has taken on a volunteer advisory position for the University of San Francisco’s Strategic Artificial Intelligence Programme. His role is to bridge academic AI studies with practical, real-world applications, leveraging his expertise in enterprise AI strategy. This appointment aligns with Guitar Center’s recent foray into AI with its ‘Rig Advisor’ tool.
Daniel Nash, a seasoned Product Manager at The Guitar Center Company, has been appointed to a volunteer advisory role for the University of San Francisco’s Strategic Artificial Intelligence Programme. This significant move aims to enrich the students’ learning experience by connecting their academic studies with tangible, real-world AI scenarios and future career opportunities.
Nash shared insights into how this advisory position came to fruition via a LinkedIn post. He revealed that the initial outreach was for a digital marketing program. However, during discussions, it became evident that his extensive background in enterprise AI strategy and implementation would be far more beneficial to the university’s AI course. ‘What makes this especially exciting is how it came about,’ Nash stated. ‘I originally got the phone call about advising for a digital marketing programme. But as we spoke, it became clear that my work in enterprise AI strategy and implementation could be even more valuable in their AI course – and here we are.’
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Nash added, ‘It’s both humbling and energising to be recognised as someone who can help guide others in this space. I’m looking forward to sharing the lessons, challenges, and successes I’ve seen firsthand, and to learning from the next-generation of AI leaders.’
This advisory role underscores a broader trend of AI integration within the retail and music industries, a movement in which Guitar Center itself is actively participating. The company recently launched ‘Rig Advisor,’ an AI-powered shopping assistant designed to enhance the in-store customer experience. Guitar Center claims this makes them the first music retailer to deploy such a tool directly onto the store floor. Rig Advisor is a mobile-based solution that allows customers to scan a QR code in-store, input questions about artists, songs, tones, or gear, and receive instant product recommendations based on the specific store’s inventory. Gabe Dalporto, CEO at Guitar Center, commented on the innovation, stating, ‘Rig Advisor is like having a professional gear consultant in the palm of your hand, delivering lightning fast answers as you explore our music stores. It will turn our stores into tech powered music hubs where creativity, curiosity, and inspiration lead the way.’
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The increasing prominence of AI in various sectors is also highlighted by the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, where Artificial Intelligence is slated to be a key focus area, celebrating global tech innovation in the omnichannel retail world.
