Dennis M. Houlihan

Dennis Houlihan began his illustrious career as an executive with the Lowrey Organ Company. He was put in charge of their London offices for 5 years, eventually moving back to the US to become a top executive with Jordan Kitts Music, the (then) largest US Piano retailer.  After several successful years with Jordan Kitts, Dennis accepted a new position with Matsushita (Panasonic) Corporation to lead the famed music brand, Technics Musical Instruments, where he befriended PLAY MUSIC -ENJOY LIFE! Founder, Rick DePiro.  After several additional successful years with Panasonic, Dennis Houlihan began his distinguished career as an executive with the Lowrey Organ Corporation, where he managed their London offices for five years. He later returned to the U.S. to become a top executive at Jordan Kitts Music, then the largest piano retailer in the USA. After several successful years with Jordan Kitts, Dennis accepted a position with Matsushita (Panasonic) Corporation to lead the renowned music brand Technics Musical Instruments, where he developed a close friendship with Rick DePiro, the founder of PLAY MUSIC - ENJOY LIFE!.

After accepting a new position as president of the Roland Corporation in 1993, Dennis achieved remarkable success and eventually took on the role of CEO of Roland U.S. In 2010, after 18 successful years as president and then CEO of Roland, he retired but continued to serve on the board of directors for Roland Japan. Dennis also held the position of president of Rodgers Musical Instruments for several years, serving as both president and CEO (Rodgers is a wholly owned subsidiary of Roland Corp). Notably, Mr. Houlihan was the first manufacturer representative to be elected as Chairman and CEO of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants).

Growing up in the Fresno, California area, Mr. Houlihan lived and worked in various cities around the world, including Washington, D.C., the greater Los Angeles area, New York City, and London, England.

Mr. Houlihan is renowned for his courteous, highly effective, and intelligent management style, earning him high regard across the industry. As one well-known industry insider stated, “Dennis’ evident and brilliant talent, along with his innate ability to make every person feel like "the most important person in the room", undoubtedly contributed to his success in growing Roland into the world’s largest leading electronic musical instrument company and the second largest musical instrument company overall. To his credit, Dennis maintained an impeccable reputation, which is a rare trait among CEOs in recent years. Roland owes much of its success to this capable leader and innovative team builder.”

Mr. Houlihan succeeded Ikutaro Kakehashi, the founder and special consultant of Roland Japan, who resigned from his final roles as chairman and director of Roland U.S.

As a true believer, leader, and participant in the launch and growth of Music and Wellness worldwide, Mr. Houlihan graciously extended his invaluable expertise to the PLAY MUSIC - ENJOY LIFE! program. The PLAY MUSIC - ENJOY LIFE! team is extremely grateful to have had Mr. Houlihan as an advisor and friend.

During his retirement, Mr. Houlihan traveled the world, reconnecting with friends and former colleagues, and served as a board member for several organizations. When not traveling, he resided in the greater Los Angeles area. Loved and respected by many from around the globe, he left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Even after his untimely passing in September 2024, he remains alive in the hearts of all who appreciated him. At the loving request of our founder, Rick DePiro, PLAY MUSIC - ENJOY LIFE! will honor Mr. Houlihan through a memorial scholarship in his name. As Mr. DePiro expressed, “Dennis was my big brother, mentor, confidant, and one of my closest and dearest friends. We must keep his legacy and amazing contributions alive in music lovers, musicians, and music students forever, so that this great legacy never fades away. I will miss my buddy forever. Thank you for everything you did for all of us, my brother.”