Yamaha Corporation: Governance and Sustainability
Corporate Governance
Yamaha Corporation is committed to strengthening its corporate governance framework, promoting compliance, and ensuring sound and transparent management through appropriate information disclosure. The company aims to enhance corporate value by adhering to its corporate philosophy and stakeholder commitments.
Corporate Governance Basic Policy
- Ensuring shareholder rights and equality from a shareholder perspective.
- Considering relationships with all stakeholders and actively fulfilling corporate social responsibility.
- Ensuring transparent management through appropriate information disclosure.
- Enhancing the effectiveness of the Board of Directors and ensuring swift and appropriate execution by separating supervision and execution and strengthening supervisory functions.
- Actively engaging in dialogue with shareholders.
Corporate Governance System
Yamaha Corporation transitioned to a committee system (Nomination Committee, etc.) in June 2017 to further clarify the separation of supervision and execution, strengthen the board's supervisory function, and accelerate execution. The Board of Directors comprises 8 members, with 6 independent outside directors, ensuring a strong supervisory function. The company has established committees for nomination, audit, and remuneration, all chaired by independent outside directors, to enhance transparency and objectivity.
Board of Directors and Executive Officers
As of June 20, 2025, the Board of Directors consists of 8 members, including 6 independent outside directors. The board meets monthly to oversee management and make decisions on fundamental business strategies. Executive officers are responsible for executing business operations under the supervision of the board.
Committees
- Nomination Committee: Composed of 4 members (3 independent outside directors), responsible for deciding on director and executive officer appointment proposals.
- Audit Committee: Composed of 3 members (3 independent outside directors), responsible for overseeing the company's internal control systems and financial reporting.
- Remuneration Committee: Composed of 3 members (3 independent outside directors), responsible for determining the remuneration policy for directors and executive officers.
Director Expertise
Directors possess diverse expertise in areas such as business management, legal and risk management, finance and accounting, IT and digital, manufacturing and technology, marketing and sales, and global business. This diverse expertise contributes to effective board oversight and strategic decision-making.
Support System for Outside Directors
Outside directors are provided with comprehensive support, including pre-meeting materials, individual briefings, and access to information on company operations and market trends to facilitate their effective participation and contribution.
Risk Management
Yamaha Corporation is committed to enhancing its risk response capabilities and ensuring sound and transparent management by developing and improving its risk management system and mechanisms. The company categorizes risks into external environmental risks, management strategy risks, business process risks, and management base risks.
Risk Management Framework
The company has established a Risk Management Committee, chaired by the President and CEO, which deliberates on risk management themes from a company-wide perspective and reports to the Board of Directors. Subcommittees focus on specific areas such as BCP/Disaster Countermeasures, Financial Management, Compliance, Export Control, and Information Security.
Risk Management Initiatives
- BCP and Disaster Preparedness: Developing and implementing Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and conducting drills to ensure business continuity in the event of disasters or emergencies.
- Infrastructure Improvement: Promoting seismic retrofitting of company buildings and implementing disaster prevention measures for facilities.
- Damage Mitigation Measures: Establishing seismic standards for equipment, reviewing flood risk, and implementing drainage systems.
Risk Assessment
Risks are classified and assessed based on their potential impact and likelihood. The company identifies key risks and implements mitigation activities to enhance control levels.
Compliance
Yamaha Corporation places a high priority on compliance, adhering not only to laws and regulations but also to social norms and corporate ethics. The company promotes a strong compliance culture through its Compliance Action Standards and internal training programs.
Compliance Promotion System
The Compliance Promotion Committee, under the Risk Management Committee, oversees compliance activities across the group. This includes monitoring the legal and ethical business conduct of each department and group company and reporting to the Board of Directors.
Compliance Awareness and Education
The company conducts regular compliance surveys and provides training to employees to enhance their awareness and understanding of compliance. It also operates a whistleblowing system to encourage reporting of potential violations.
Compliance Hotlines
Yamaha Corporation operates multiple hotlines, including internal and external channels, to receive consultations and reports on compliance matters. These hotlines are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all employees.
Fair Business Practices
The company is committed to fair competition and ethical business practices, prohibiting cartels, bid-rigging, and other anti-competitive activities. It also adheres to anti-monopoly laws and regulations.
Anti-Corruption
Yamaha Corporation is committed to preventing bribery and corruption, aligning with the principles of the United Nations Global Compact. The company prohibits all forms of bribery and corruption and ensures that its business partners also adhere to these principles.
Stakeholder Engagement
Yamaha Corporation actively engages with its stakeholders, including shareholders, investors, customers, and employees, to understand their perspectives and incorporate them into its business strategies. The company conducts various communication activities, such as investor relations events, customer feedback surveys, and employee engagement programs.
Shareholder and Investor Dialogue
The company maintains open communication with shareholders and investors through various channels, including financial results briefings, investor meetings, and its corporate website. This dialogue helps the company to understand investor expectations and to reflect them in its management strategies.
ESG Investment Initiatives
Yamaha Corporation is recognized by various ESG rating agencies and indices, including FTSE4Good and MSCI, reflecting its commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.
Financial Information and Shareholder Returns
Executive Compensation
Executive compensation is determined by the Remuneration Committee and is linked to performance, ensuring alignment with the company's long-term value creation goals. Compensation includes fixed pay, performance-based bonuses, and restricted stock awards.
Auditor Information
The company's auditor is EY ShinNihon LLC. The audit fees for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, are detailed in the report.
Shareholder Returns
Yamaha Corporation aims to enhance shareholder returns through a combination of stable dividends and strategic investments in growth opportunities. The company balances reinvestment for future growth with shareholder returns, considering capital efficiency.