Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) has announced that Matt Searfus has joined the company in the newly-created position of vice president of marketing, effective May 29.
Searfus reports directly to YCA president Tom Sumner.
“Matt is a strategic and creative marketing leader with more than 20 years of experience building and evolving some of the world’s most iconic brands including Nike, adidas and Hotels.com,” said Sumner. “He has a proven track record developing centers of excellence, building high-performing teams and delivering world-class marketing campaigns. He is a great match for Yamaha, and I look forward to working together to further strengthen our market-leading position.”
Prior to joining Yamaha, Searfus served as brand director at Nike where he led Nike’s marketing efforts to elevate the consumer experience at Dick’s Sporting Goods. From 2014 to 2015, he was the senior director of product and integrated marketing at Getty Images, having developed a new brand strategy and creative direction, launched subscription and a la carte products and improved customer acquisition and retention.
From 2012 to 2014, he held the position of senior director of global brand, advertising and media for Hotels.com, where he relaunched the brand via the popular “Captain Obvious” campaign.
Searfus graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, traveling and participating in outdoor sports and adventures.
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