Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit has appointed Dean Burnett to the position of vice president, Marine Business.
In his new role, Dean will oversee Yamaha U.S. marine development and advanced development teams as well as Yamaha’s Boat Business Unit, which includes the WaterCraft Business Group, G3 Boats and Skeeter Boats.
“Dean has a deep understanding of the marine industry, and his leadership plays an integral role in Yamaha’s success,” said Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.
“His tenure with Yamaha is marked by strategic growth, operational excellence and a strong commitment to our customers and partners.
“We are grateful to have him back in the US and confident he will drive success in his new role.”
Dean will also hold the positions of president Skeeter Products and also president of Siren Marine leading Yamaha’s Connected Division.
Dean has worked for Yamaha for 30 years, most recently as president and MD of Yamaha Motor Canada for three years, where he managed ten Yamaha product lines for the country.
His tenure with Yamaha is marked by strategic growth, operational excellence and a strong commitment to our customers and partners.
Ben Speciale
He has also served as president and MD of Yamaha Motor Finance Canada for two years where he played a role in integrating the organisation into the newly formed global finance company, Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation.
Before his time in Canada, Dean served as president of the Yamaha WaterCraft Business Group and led the Customer Service and Boat Businesses.
Dean grew up in the marine business, learning the retail side at the family marine dealership in Louisville, Kentucky.
He joined Yamaha in 1987 where he spent four years in sales and marketing roles for the company in the California market before leaving the company in 1991.
He spent the next four years working with Boston Whaler and Grady White, as a territory manager and also held positions with Fenwick Fishing Tackle and Mercury Marine before taking on the role of national sales manager for Yamaha-owned Skeeter Boats.
In 2001, Dean was promoted to the position of vice president of sales and marketing and in 2003, was appointed vice president and general manager of Century and Cobia Boats.
In 2010, Dean was appointed as vice president of Yamaha Marine Group Company.
