Kawai Pianos Appoints Aoki to Lead North America

Kawai America Corporation (KAC) and Kawai Canada Music (KCM), the North American subsidiaries of global piano manufacturer Kawai Musical Instruments, announced the appointment of Takanori Aoki as President effective November 1, 2020. He is succeeding past president Seijiro Imamura.

In his new position, Aoki will oversee and manage all aspects of Kawai America and Kawai Canada business and work closely with the entire team to ensure long-term growth by improving and expanding sales distribution areas and increasing Kawai’s brand position.

Originally from Nagoya, Japan, Mr. Aoki has been employed by Kawai Musical Instruments for 30 years having joined the company in April 1990. “My reason for joining Kawai Musical Instruments,” shares Mr. Aoki, “was because of my love for music and my interest in Kawai’s instruments.”

Previously, Mr. Aoki held the position of Deputy General Manager of Export Sales in Kawai’s Overseas Business Division supervising all export sales globally. Prior to that, Mr. Aoki was Manager of Export Sales for North, Central and South Americas, including the Caribbean.

Mr. Aoki’s appointment will not be his first time working in North America. From February 1994 through June 1997, Mr. Aoki held the position of Purchasing & Assistant Sales Manager for Kawai America and Kawai Canada Music. Mr. Aoki commented, “Those years in North America were instrumental in teaching me about the company and piano business. I am honored and excited to be back.” He continues, “North America is a very important market for Kawai, and I look forward to working alongside the Kawai America and Kawai Canada team to increase our brand and position in this large and growing market.”