Speaking of in-housing, here’s another one: did you know that Yamaha’s musical instruments and A/V products division has an in-house agency called Studio 60 designed to “future proof digital business?”
Today that organization announced the hiring of Steve Morris (portfolio here) as its creative director. He reports directly to director Michelle Guzman, who joined late last year after spending several years with the Jaguar Land Rover bespoke agency Spark44.
Prior to this hire, Morris—who has something of an auto specialty—had been freelancing with several agencies including McCann, GTB, Zambezi, BBDO, Deutsch, and more after three years with another bespoke auto shop, WPP’s Garage Team Mazda.
There, he was svp, brand creative director leading the “Driving Matters” campaign. Here’s one of those spots. Surely you remember the Aaron Paul voiceover.
“Steve has the award-winning talent we need and more than 20 years’ experience applying it in the advertising world,” read a statement from Guzman in the release, which noted that he will be handling digital, experiential and even traditional(!) marketing for products from Yamaha brands.
He also happens to be a musician—a drummer, to be precise—which makes him a better fit for the job.
“Music is a personal passion of mine, so the opportunity to help shape the branding of Yamaha is a dream come true,” Morris said.
Throughout his career he has also worked for TBWA\Chiat\Day, GS&P, Fallon and more. His best known work may be Leagas Delaney Adidas campaign “Runners. Yeah, We’re Different.” He’s received multiple awards from The One Show, D&AD, the Effies and more.