Max Iishi Named President & CEO of Pearl Musical Instruments

The Board of Directors of the Pearl Musical Instrument Company is pleased to announce Max Iishi as the company’s new president and CEO to succeed the incumbent president and CEO Masakatsu Yanagisawa, who has been appointed chairman of the Board of Directors.

Originally from Kyoto, Japan Max graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo with a degree in economics. He joined Pearl in 1995 and was promoted to International Sales and Marketing Manager in 1999. He spent 10 years in the Netherlands and was named President of Pearl Europe in 2006. In 2012 Max returned to Pearl headquarters in Japan in the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In 2018 Max was promoted to Executive Vice President in charge of group management. Max has lived in Japan, Singapore, Germany, England, the U.S., and the Netherlands and in a professional capacity has conducted business around the world. This experience ingrained in him a global diversity which is the basis of his management style.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the iconic and globally renowned company, Pearl. Over the years, I have had in-depth and extensive dealings with all major stakeholders, shareholders, customers, artists, engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and business associates both within and outside the music industry. Using this experience and knowledge my mission is to further develop and expand the Pearl brand in the entire world. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Pearl’s foundation by the Yanagisawa family, and I consider myself fortunate to work with and represent Masakatsu Yanagisawa, a 3rd generation family member. Masakatsu and I are truly happy and excited to take on the challenges ahead as Pearl steers its path into the future” stated Iishi.

Effective immediately, in his new position, Max will assume the day-to-day management and leadership of Pearl worldwide, while working in tandem with the Board of Directors, group companies, and key stakeholders. As Chairman Masakatsu will continue to be involved in management strategy and supporting company initiatives.

Pearl Musical Instruments, (PMI) is a worldwide leading manufacturer of acoustic and electronic drums, concert and marching percussion instruments, hand percussion, and flutes. Pearl maintains company-owned factories in Japan, Taiwan, and China and works with manufacturers in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. PMI owns distribution arms in the U.S. and Europe and Pearl products are distributed in over 90 countries worldwide.