Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit yesterday announced the appointment of Kevin Sumner to product planning manager. Sumner will drive the company’s product roadmap, develop and launch customer-centric features, and execute the implementation of connectivity technologies with boatbuilder partners.

Sumner joined Yamaha in 2013 as a member of the marine service call center team. He has held positions that include marine service business processes coordinator, connected product planner and marine product planning manager. In his most recent role as a connected product planning manager, he was responsible for leading the product planning team in the development and coordination of new projects for the marine connectivity division.

“Kevin plays a key role in developing products and technology that make boating easier and create greater customer satisfaction,” Andrew Cullen, director of Yamaha Marine Connectivity, said in a statement. “His knowledge and unique skillset are assets to our team, and under his leadership, our team will bring new products to the market that have the ability to substantially increase boater confidence on the water.”

Sumner will report directly to Cullen.