Following Audio-Technica Canada’s (ATCA) recent announcement of the decision to streamline processes for its professional audio distribution operation, the organization has moved to new office faclities as well as announced the appointment of Kenji Yamabe as its permanent general manager.
Yamabe, who comes from Audio-Technica Europe, takes over from Susanne Seidel, a business consultant who has been acting GM since June 2019 and who has helped prepare the ground for continued growth. “It has been my absolute pleasure to serve as ATCA’s interim GM,” Seidel says. “Although the circumstances created by Covid have not been ideal for anyone, I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team and delighted to be able to leave the company in such a robust position. Audio-Technica Canada has remained resolute while staying true to its fiercely independent roots amid a sea of competitors and despite everything we’ve had a strong business year. In conjunction with the gradual lifting of Covid restrictions, I am certain that the future is bright for the company, and I know that Kenji will do a great job in the next phase.”
Yamabe brings more than 15 years of experience with businesses that operate on a global scale to his new role, including eight spent working across various positions at Audio-Technica. He has a track record of building strong working relationships between A-T’s Japanese headquarters and its subsidiaries, evidenced by his work as Business Development Liaison Manager at Audio-Technica Europe.
“I am excited to take on the mantle of GM at ATCA,” he states. “Susanne Seidel has done a stellar job thus far, and the company is primed for an even more successful upcoming fiscal year with the opening of ATCA’s new office, and the easing of restrictions. I’m looking forward to being able to apply my accumulated years of experience to the role and combined with a thorough understanding of AT’s extensive range of products – as well as the company’s ethos – I believe I can add significant value to our position within the industry.”
