Yamaha Finance Taps Risk Expert Kevin Duck to Steer Growth

CYPRESS, CA – January 08, 2026 – Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA (YMFUS) has appointed Kevin Duck as its new President, a strategic move that places a seasoned risk management and finance executive at the helm of a crucial division for the powersports giant. The appointment, effective January 1, 2026, signals Yamaha's intent to fortify its financial services arm amidst a complex economic landscape and intensifying competition.

Duck, who previously served as the company's Chief Risk and Strategy Officer, brings over two decades of experience from prominent financial institutions, including CarMax Auto Finance and Capital One. His promotion is seen as a vote of confidence in his ability to steer YMFUS through market headwinds while fueling growth across Yamaha's extensive product portfolio.

“Kevin’s strategic leadership and deep understanding of financial services make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA,” said Jeff Young, Chairman of YMFUS and President and CEO of its parent company, Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation (YMFC). “He has a proven ability to balance disciplined risk management with growth-oriented innovation, and his people-focused leadership approach aligns strongly with Yamaha’s culture and long-term vision.”

An Architect of Risk Takes the Helm

In his previous role as Chief Risk and Strategy Officer, Duck was the architect of the very frameworks he will now oversee. He was responsible for establishing YMFUS’s credit risk management policies, underwriting standards, and pricing strategies. His leadership in this capacity was instrumental in building a foundation designed for stability and scalable growth, a background that is particularly relevant in the current economic climate.

Macroeconomic pressures, including persistent inflation and fluctuating interest rates, have created a challenging environment for lenders, especially those financing discretionary purchases like motorcycles, ATVs, and personal watercraft. Higher borrowing costs can deter potential buyers, while inflation squeezes the disposable income consumers rely on for such acquisitions. Duck’s extensive experience in credit risk, honed during his tenure as Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at CarMax Auto Finance, provides YMFUS with a leader adept at navigating these very challenges. His expertise in portfolio forecasting and analytics will be critical in making data-driven decisions that protect the company's assets while still enabling sales.

The appointment reflects a strategic choice to prioritize financial discipline as a cornerstone of growth. While some competitors explore different models for their finance divisions, Yamaha is doubling down on strengthening its in-house capabilities under a leader known for his steady hand in risk management.

Fueling a Diverse Powersports Portfolio

For a company like Yamaha, with products ranging from high-performance motorcycles and side-by-side vehicles to outboard motors and snowmobiles, the captive finance division is more than a profit center—it is a vital sales engine. YMFUS provides the retail and commercial financing that empowers Yamaha's nationwide dealer network and makes its products accessible to a broad customer base.

Duck’s leadership is expected to enhance this symbiotic relationship. By refining financing solutions and ensuring competitive offerings, YMFUS can directly impact unit sales and market share. This is especially crucial as the market normalizes from the demand surge seen during the pandemic. As consumers become more price-sensitive, the availability and attractiveness of financing options can be the deciding factor in a purchase.

“I am honored to step into the role of President at Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA,” Duck stated. “YMFUS has established a strong foundation supporting Yamaha dealers and customers nationwide. I look forward to continuing to work with our talented team to continue expanding our capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and delivering long-term value across the Yamaha ecosystem.”

The competitive landscape underscores the importance of this role. Competitor Polaris has shown signs of a rebound after facing post-pandemic demand shifts, while Harley-Davidson recently restructured its financial services arm into a "capital-light" partnership to reduce its capital commitments. In contrast, Yamaha’s promotion of Duck from within suggests a strategy focused on leveraging deep internal expertise to drive organic growth and maintain tight integration between its manufacturing and financing operations.

Aligning with a Global Financial Vision

Duck's appointment is not just a domestic move; it aligns perfectly with the global ambitions of Yamaha's parent finance company, YMFC. Established in November 2022 and headquartered in the U.S., YMFC was created to consolidate and oversee the Yamaha Motor Group's financial services business worldwide. Its mission is to achieve ambitious targets, including 1 trillion yen in receivables by 2027, by focusing on three core pillars: enhancing risk management, adopting digital technologies, and developing global human capital.

Duck’s promotion directly supports at least two of these pillars. His entire career is a testament to the first—enhancing risk management and governance. His appointment also reinforces the third pillar by demonstrating a commitment to elevating financial services talent from within the organization to key leadership positions.

As President of the U.S. subsidiary, Duck will be instrumental in executing this global strategy on a local level. The U.S. is a critical market for Yamaha, and the performance of YMFUS will have a significant impact on YMFC's ability to meet its global financial objectives. His efforts to innovate and drive efficiency in the American market will likely serve as a model for Yamaha's other financial services businesses in markets like Brazil, France, and Australia.

“Kevin’s appointment reflects the strength of our leadership bench and our focus on continuity and sustainable growth,” Young added. “We are confident his leadership will guide YMFUS successfully into its next chapter.”

Under Duck's guidance, YMFUS is tasked with navigating the immediate challenges of the U.S. consumer market while simultaneously contributing to a long-term global vision. His success will be measured not only in loan originations and portfolio health but also in how effectively the finance division can act as a catalyst for the entire Yamaha brand, ensuring its products continue to power excitement for customers across the country.