Garth Gilman

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Job Title
VP/GM of Band & Orchestra Division
Company Name
Yamaha Corporation of America

Garth Gilman finished his MBA and through a mutual friend met Tom Sumner who provided a tour of the Yamaha offices in Buena Park.  Tom, who at the time was the General Manager of the Pro Audio/Combo Division, recognized Garth’s passion for music and interest in business.  The two discussed the opportunities at Yamaha and Garth found it a perfect fit.  His roles within Yamaha began as the Administration Manager for the Band & Orchestra Division and four years later moved into the Pro Audio Combo Division as a Director, then Assistant General Manger before returning to the Band & Orchestra division where he now serves as Vice President and General Manager.   Although he has had a variety of roles in different divisions, one thing that is consistent throughout his entire tenure with Yamaha is that Garth has always reported to Rick Young, currently Senior Vice President, benefitting greatly from Rick’s mentoring and leadership abilities.  These opportunities provide Garth a unique learning experience to better understand and appreciate the depth of the Yamaha way of doing business and take part in its commitment to the music and the music industry.