Yamaha Corp. of America (YCA) is forming the Professional Audio division to provide a stronger, more unified presence in the live sound, recording and sound-installation markets. Alan Macpherson, a 27-year Yamaha veteran, will lead a team of professional and commercial audio specialists in the new division. He will report directly to Tom Sumner, Senior Vice President of YCA. Macpherson is currently the General Manager of the Pro Audio and Combo division.
The Yamaha Professional Audio (PA) division will market all Yamaha commercial audio products, including the CL and QL consoles and the recently announced PM10 Rivage, which are currently marketed by Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems (YCAS). The PA division has no plans to change the current distribution strategy. The division will also continue to serve commercial audio markets in Canada as well as the U.S. The new division will represent all Yamaha live sound products, including the MG mixer line and DXR powered speakers, and continue to represent NEXO speaker products, including the groundbreaking STM system. Recording solutions are also integrated, including the Yamaha Nuage post-production system, Steinberg software and hardware products including Cubase, and the Yamaha HS series of powered monitor speakers. Yamaha’s commercial installed sound (CIS) products round out the products the Professional Audio division offers.
“With this focus, we can grow our business, grow our dealers’ business and delight our customers with innovative, quality products, service and solutions,” noted Hitoshi Fukutome, President, Yamaha Corp. of America. YCAS will be merged into YCA as part of this initiative.
Larry Italia, who recently served as Vice President/General Manager of YCAS, will be leaving Yamaha. “Larry has made significant contributions and helped Yamaha achieve many milestones during his tenure. We wish him the very best in the future,” said Fukutome.
YCA will rename its current Pro Audio and Combo division the Pro Music division. The new Pro Music division will now focus on marketing Yamaha guitars, amps, acoustic and electronic drums, and music production products.
John Shalhoup, who has a 16-year Yamaha career, will lead the new Pro Music division. He currently is the company’s Chief Marketing Director, guiding company-wide branding and marketing strategy. Shalhoup has broad experience including district sales, national account sales, sales management and administration, with Yamaha’s Pro Audio and Combo and Band & Orchestral divisions. Shalhoup will report directly to Rick Young, Senior Vice President of YCA.