Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) announced that Steve Morris has joined the company as creative director of Studio 60, the company’s in-house creative agency for Yamaha musical instruments and audio/visual products. Morris reports directly to Michelle Guzman, director of Studio 60.
“Steve has the award-winning talent we need and more than 20 years’ experience applying it in the advertising world,” Guzman said. “He has a proven track record of crafting effective, imaginative campaigns for a wide range of products and companies, and we’re looking forward to having him continue that success here at Yamaha.”
Before joining Yamaha, Morris spent two years freelancing from coast to coast as a creative director on Ford, Toyota, PGA, Morgan Stanley and Aldi.
Prior to this Morris worked over three years with The Garage Team Mazda as brand creative director, where he led the creation of the “Driving Matters” campaign. Mazda credited this emotionally-driven brand direction with helping them to significantly lift awareness, likability and consideration for their vehicles, resulting in year-after-year record sales.
Early in his career as a writer at Leagas Delaney, Morris spearheaded the campaign he is still most proud of, known as, “Runners. Yeah, We’re Different,” which was recognized across the global creative and business community. Adidas points to this campaign as having helped them reclaim the number-one position in the North American running shoe market from Nike.
Morris’ creative work for sporting goods and packaged goods, car companies and tech companies, has drawn accolades over the years from dozens of global competitions including multiple gold One Show pencils, Cannes finalists, Webbies, Effies, D&AD, Communication Arts, and Kelly Press Awards.
He’s also been an avid musician for years and spends much of his free time behind a drum kit. His affinity for music is what makes him an especially suitable fit for Studio 60 at Yamaha.
“Music is a personal passion of mine, so the opportunity to help shape the branding of Yamaha is a dream come true,” said Morris. “I’m pleased to discover all the talent at work in Studio 60 and I look forward to forming a core band of creatives and working with colleagues who are devoted to making Yamaha communications as exceptional and artistic as their products.”
Morris graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. He also occasionally paddles out to surf his home break in Redondo Beach, where he lives with his wife and daughter.
