After a distinguished 30+ year career at Yamaha, Mr. Paul Furtkamp will retire as of July 1, 2024. Paul started his career with Yamaha in 1986 and has held various positions, including his current position as senior director of the Commercial Audio and NEXO sales team.
“Those who have had the privilege of working with Paul at YCA will continue to enjoy the standard he has set of finding the best possible solution while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism,” said Garth Gilman, corporate vice president of sales for Yamaha. “I thank Paul for his leadership throughout his time with Yamaha. I am highly confident that the strong support of Yamaha Commercial Audio and NEXO channel partners will continue under Julian’s leadership.”
Mr. Julian Williams will take over the helm from Paul as of April 1, 2024, as the new director of sales for the Commercial Audio and NEXO sales team. Julian joined Yamaha in 2016 as a District Manager and was promoted to Regional Sales Manager and then to Senior Sales Manager before this latest promotion. Julian has experience in retail sales, audio engineering, retail management, facilities management and manufacturer representation. He also served honorably in the US Army Reserve and received his MBA from Sam Houston State University.
Mr. David Venus has been promoted to Western Regional Manager. In October 2023, David took over this position from Julian Williams. David joined Yamaha in December 2019 as a District Manager and has helped his assigned channel partners achieve high-level results. David attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN, receiving bachelor’s degrees in business administration and marketing, and received his AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) certification in March 2021.
