Preston Gray

Director of Marketing @Yamaha Corporation

Strategic business leader accountable for full P&L ownership, long-range planning, and cross-functional leadership across a $120M professional audio portfolio. Serve as the connective tissue between sales, marketing, product, and finance—driving revenue, margin expansion, and operational alignment within a global matrix organization.Strategic Scope & LeadershipLead development and execution of the multi-year business strategy for Yamaha’s Professional Audio unit in the US, achieving 65% revenue growth and 70%+ gross profit increase.Own all aspects of financial performance, including forecasting, pricing strategy, margin management, and budget alignment across North American operations.Act as a general manager within the category, collaborating cross-functionally with Japan-based product teams, supply chain, and executive leadership to drive go-to-market success.Cross-Functional ImpactLead a team of marketers, product owners, and channel specialists to translate business objectives into integrated marketing, sales enablement, and partner strategies.Drive alignment across sales and product teams, creating shared KPIs and processes that improve forecasting accuracy and drive revenue growth.Steered the team through complex market shifts and internal transformation, fostering resilience and focus amid change. Delivered a 36% reduction in operating expenses while capturing share in high-value segments—culminating in record profitability and a 130%+ increase in net income.Customer & Market Focus:Advocate for customer-centric planning across the full journey—from product design to channel experience—leveraging VOC, segmentation, and competitive intelligence.Elevated brand visibility among system designers, integrators, and touring professionals through omnichannel campaigns and strategic events.