Phil Dyskow to retire from Yamaha
MIAMI – Yamaha Marine Group President Phil Dyskow announced yesterday at the Miami International Boat Show that he will retire from his position at Yamaha, which he has held for 13 years, on May 1. He will remain on as a senior advisor until Sept. 30, and will become an independent consultant to Yamaha on October 1, the company added.
Dyskow also announced, on behalf of Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. President Masato Adachi, that Ben Speciale, Yamaha Marine Group vice president planning and operations, will succeed him in the position of president. Both Dyskow and Speciale have had long careers with Yamaha, according to the company.
Dyskow has been associated with Yamaha since 1975. He first joined Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. in 1981 as the very first employee of the Marine Group. He has been Marine Group president since 1997.
“These have been wonderfully rewarding years,” said Dyskow. “My time as group president has been the most rewarding of all. I have had the opportunity to nurture and grow a business beyond the level that many had thought possible.”
During Dyskow’s tenure, market share at Yamaha Marine Group quadrupled and customer satisfaction rose to among the highest level in the marine outboard industry, the company reported in a statement.
“It’s been a great pleasure to participate in the development of truly innovative products,” said Dyskow. “Most importantly, I have had the privilege to work alongside the greatest people in the greatest industry in the world.”
Speciale’s career with Yamaha began in 1987 in marine parts and accessories, but he literally grew up in the marine business, coming from a family that owned a marina in Tennessee, Yamaha reported. The marina was a one of Yamaha’s first marine dealers in the United States. Over the years at Yamaha, Speciale held positions in marketing, promotions, strategic planning and financial operations, and most currently, in executive management.
“Ben has unrelenting passion for this industry,” said Dyskow. “His work ethic and energy are unmatched. His honesty and integrity are beyond question. I can’t think of a better person to lead this organization into the future. My job going forward is to assure a very smooth transition over the months ahead.”
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