Korg president and “groundbreaking” instruments engineer Seki Kato has died aged 67

Korg president and “groundbreaking” instruments engineer Seki Kato has died aged 67

The music industry is mourning the loss of Seiki Kato, the President and Representative Director of Korg, a Japanese music tech company, who passed away at the age of 67 after battling an illness. Korg released a statement online, highlighting Kato’s significant contributions to the music industry throughout his career. Kato was the eldest son of Korg founder Tsutomu Kato and began his journey with the company in 1980, working in domestic sales before rising to the position of Head of Product Planning in 1985.

During his time at Korg, Kato played a pivotal role in the development of innovative instruments such as the M1, a groundbreaking music workstation. His dedication and expertise led him to move to the US in 1988, where he took on the role of President of Korg USA in the following year, eventually becoming the President and CEO of Korg in 2003. Korg expressed their deep appreciation for Kato’s influence on the company’s success and emphasized his impact on the music industry as a whole.

Throughout his career, Kato was recognized as a driving force behind Korg’s achievements, earning the respect and trust of colleagues and industry partners worldwide. The musical instruments that he helped bring to life have empowered musicians globally, shaping the landscape of music and artistic expression. Korg remains dedicated to upholding Kato’s legacy by continuing to innovate and create products that inspire musicians and enthusiasts alike. Their message concluded with gratitude for ongoing support from the community

Read the full article from Mixmag here: Read More