Yahama installs new Bösendorfer boss

Yamaha, the Japanese owner of Bösendorfer, has introduced a new chief executive at the tradition-rich piano maker.Yamaha announced today (Weds) that Bösendorfer deputy managing director Brian Kemble will succeed Yoshichika Sakai who has headed the Vienna-based firm since 2008. Yamaha explained Sakai will return to Japan to focus on new projects at its piano department after having restructured Bösendorfer following the economic downturn.Kemble, who has worked in the piano-producing business for 30 years, said he felt “honoured” to be assigned as new chief of Bösendorfer. Kemble called the Austrian company a “jewel of the world of pianos with an exciting future.”Bösendorfer has around 110 employees. The firm, which sells around 200 pianos per year, said last May it aimed to break even in the 2012/2013 business year.Austrian BAWAG bank sold Bösendorfer in its 180th year of existence to Yamaha in 2008. BAWAG had to get rid of various business participations at that time due to massive losses the bank suffered in controversial investment deals. The sale of Bösendorfer was carried out after US investment firm Cerberus acquired BAWAG.