Casio America has announced that Mark Amentt will retire effective August 1, following his nearly 14-year distinguished career with the company.
Amentt has been Director of Sales for the Electronic Musical Instrument Division during his entire tenure with Casio. He has overseen a broad portfolio of musical instruments sold through its U.S. music dealer and piano dealer channels and directed the company’s efforts in the education and house of worship markets.
Among his many sales accomplishments are the highly successful launches of groundbreaking new Casio products, including Celviano Grand Hybrid digital pianos in 2015, Privia premium-level digital pianos in 2022 and upgraded Celviano AP Series models earlier this year.
While Casio keyboards have traditionally earned high praise from music dealers, Amentt worked to build a broad base of piano dealers who have subsequently enjoyed significant financial success by selling the company’s newer premium digital piano products.
“Mark’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental to Casio’s success, particularly evident in his efforts in building trusted relationships with our select music and piano dealers,” said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio’s Electronic Musical Instruments Division. “Mark is also a dear friend, and while I am sad to see him leave, I am happy he is focusing his time on himself and his family.”
Amentt began his sales and sales management career in the pharmaceutical and publishing industries but realized his true calling was in the music products industry. In May 2000, he was named Director of Operations for the Alliance of Independent Music Merchants (AIMM), helping the then-newly established organization better serve its members. He joined Casio as Director of Sales in 2010.
A lifelong multi-instrumentalist, Amentt performs regularly in the Philadelphia area. He is an accomplished bassist and clinician, and first call for recording sessions and national acts coming through the region.
“I love Casio and all the people I have had the privilege to work with. Together, we have built Casio into a recognized, reliable and respected musical instrument brand that offers consumers and professionals many great products at affordable prices,” said Amentt. “I am deeply indebted to Stephen Schmidt and Casio’s General Manager of Marketing, Mike Martin, for their unwavering support over the years. It is time to devote energy to myself and my family. I have also dreamed of pursuing music-making and studio recording full-time. Now I get to realize that dream.”
To learn more about Casio’s full portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit CasioMusicGear.com.
