Following recent moves to streamline professional audio distribution, Audio-Technica Canada (ATCA) has moved to new office facilities under General Manager, Kenji Yamabe. Yamabe – who comes from Audio-Technica Europe – takes over from Susanne Seidel, who has been acting GM since June 2019 and who has successfully prepared the ground for continued growth.

Having established Audio Technica in Canada over the past 20 months, ATCA is now ready for its next phase of growth. Seidel has successfully laid the foundation of a strong business in the face of a global pandemic, readying ATCA for the next stage of its development.

‘It has been my absolute pleasure to serve as ATCA’s interim GM; overseeing the development of a proficient organisation that is ready for the next step of business growth,’ she says.

Seidel has accomplished this by focusing on the creation of a solid organisational structure within ATCA, and has stimulated growth in both the professional and consumer markets by creating clearer vertical segmentation in order to focus A-T’s product offering.

‘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,’ she says. ‘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’ experience to his new role from businesses that operate on a global scale, including eight spent working across various positions at A-T. He has quantifiably contributed to growth in every position that he has tenured. Furthermore, Yamabe has a track record of building strong working relationships between AT’s Japanese headquarters and their 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 says. ‘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.’

More: www.audio-technica.ca