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Casio America Announces Retirement of Stephen Schmidt

Casio America, Inc. recently shared the news of Stephen Schmidt's impending retirement from his role as Vice President of the Electronic Musical Instruments (EMI) Division. After 19 years dedicated to the company, Schmidt’s retirement will take effect on September 30, marking the end of an era in which he significantly impacted the landscape of electronic music instruments in the U.S.

Schmidt began his journey with Casio as Vice President of Sales, where he contributed widely across all major product lines, including calculators, digital cameras, and, notably, electronic musical instruments. His strategic mindset helped to expand Casio’s reach in a competitive market while nurturing relationships with both independent vendors and regional accounts. Schmidt's tenure saw him pivot to a focused approach as Vice President of the EMI Division in 2009, a change that allowed him to channel his passion for music into a specialized segment.

During his time leading the EMI Division, Schmidt was pivotal in developing and marketing several acclaimed musical instruments. Casio's Privia and Celviano digital pianos, along with the Casiotone portable keyboards, flourished under his guidance, becoming popular choices recognized for their innovation and quality. These instruments not only catered to a diverse audience, from novice musicians to seasoned performers, but also helped redefine musical accessibility.

An impressive aspect of Schmidt’s legacy includes his role in prominent product and marketing events. He orchestrated several groundbreaking launches, such as the XW synth series events featuring notable acts like The Crystal Method, and the Grand Hybrid piano's launch at the prestigious Lincoln Center in 2015. His efforts culminated in the recent introduction of the Privia PX-S7000 in 2022, a product that captured the essence of modern piano design and user experience.

Schmidt’s accomplishments extend beyond the EMI Division; he has been instrumental in various initiatives throughout Casio, including the U.S. launch of the Oceanus watch line and the introduction of multiple business ventures. His holistic approach to leadership is echoed by Yusuke Suzuki, President, and CEO of Casio America, who acknowledged Schmidt's vital contributions to the company, stating, "Stephen has been a vital part of Casio America's success in the music industry. His vision and leadership shaped our Electronic Musical Instruments division, paving the way for innovation that would enhance our market presence and product reputation."

Reflecting on his time at Casio, Schmidt expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had to lead such a well-regarded company, emphasizing the joy he found in bringing music into people's lives.