Seiichi Yamaguchi has been named President of Yamaha Corporation of America, effective April 1, 2026. Current President Tom Sumner will retire later in 2026 after a long leadership tenure. Yamaguchi currently serves as Managing Executive Officer of Yamaha Corporation in Japan. He also leads the Musical Instruments Business Unit as Executive General Manager.
Yamaguchi began his career with Yamaha in 1985 and has held several major leadership roles since then. Earlier, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of Yamaha Music and Electronics China. He also worked as Managing Officer and General Manager of the Musical Instruments and Audio Sales Unit. Additionally, he served as Managing Director of Yamaha Scandinavia, overseeing regional growth initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Yamaguchi also worked at Yamaha Corporation of America. During that period, he launched Yamaha Music Interactive in New York City. The venture focused on early digital sheet music distribution and innovation.
“I am looking forward to working with the great team at YCA to expand the brand’s reach in the United States,’ said Seiichi Yamaguchi. “I’ve enjoyed my previous time living and working in the U.S., and I know Yamaha can make an even bigger and better impact on the lives of U.S. musicians and educators.”
Tom Sumner Reflects on Decades of Leadership
Tom Sumner joined Yamaha in 1988 as a salesperson and steadily advanced through leadership positions. He became President of Yamaha Corporation of America in 2018. Notably, he became the first U.S. native to hold the position.
Before becoming president, Sumner served in several senior leadership roles across Yamaha’s global operations. He worked as General Manager of the Consumer Products Division. He also led the Pro Audio and Combo Division. Later, he served as President of Yamaha Electronics Corporation. Additionally, he held the role of Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.
“I am humbled and honored to have worked in an industry I love, for a company I love and respect and with people I love and respect for my entire career,” Sumner stated. “I owe everything to my Yamaha team members around the globe, especially here in the United States, who come to work every day dedicated to serving music makers and music lovers and represent the Yamaha standard bearers of passion, quality and customer service. I am humbled to work beside you and call you my colleagues. I’ve also been blessed to serve our music products industry and our wonderful trade organization, NAMM. Serving on the NAMM Board of Directors, the NAMM Executive Committee and as NAMM Chairman was the honor of a lifetime.”
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Source: Businesswire
