The Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) has appointed Kevin Strawbridge to head its Retail and Media Groups. The parent company to both online retailers Motorcycle SuperStore and J&P Cycles, as well as Motorcycle-USA.com and “America’s Motorcycle Weekly” CycleNews, recently consolidated its retail operations in Irving, Texas.
“Kevin Strawbridge joins the MAG family at an exciting time,” said MAG President & CEO Andy Graves. “He combines a strong background in business with expertise in marketing, merchandising, digital technology and analytics that will accelerate MAG Retail Group’s success.”
Over the past 20 years, Strawbridge has built a successful career as an eCommerce leader, entrepreneur and strategist for several multi-channel companies. He has held executive marketing and eCommerce leadership roles at RackSpace, DealTaker.com,CardsDirect.com and JCPenney. During that time, Kevin has assembled and led cross-functional teams in settings from startups to corporate environments. As president for the Retail and Media Groups, Kevin will be based at the new MAG Retail Group headquarters in Irving, and report to Graves.
Most recently the VP of Global eCommerce and Digital Marketing for Rackspace, the #1 managed cloud company, Strawbridge says he is looking forward to the opportunities with MAG. “I have been fortunate to build on my business and data background to see a bigger picture rather than just a short-term bottom line. I can’t wait to get on the gas and accelerate the MAG Retail Group’s progress.”
Strawbridge succeeds Ryan Polk, who will become president of the MAG Brand Group. MAG brands include industry leaders such as Burly Brand, DragonFire Racing, Mustang Seats, Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension, Renthal, Roland Sands Design and Vance & Hines. “Ryan is the right person to oversee this diverse portfolio of leading aftermarket brands, and we are grateful for his leadership of the Retail Group over the last year,” says Graves.
“Who knew I would be in the saddle for some of motorcycling’s leading brands back when I was riding my Yamaha 125 Tri-Moto on my paper route… this has been quite a ride,” says Polk who currently commutes through the urban jungle on his BMW G 650 GS. “I am really looking forward to working with all of the brands and more importantly the people who have made them what they are.”
“This change provides focused leadership for the MAG Brand Group and will lead to acceleration of initiatives that fulfill our mission of being the best at providing dealers and riders with products that enhance the enjoyment of riding motorcycles and ATV/UTVs,” adds Graves.
Polk joined MAG parent company LDI in 2011 to work on business strategy and acquisitions. Most recently, Ryan headed up the MAG Retail & Media Group, including MotoUSA and CycleNews. Before LDI, Ryan worked in the consumer products industry helping brand driven companies develop customer specific solutions that increased revenue and return on investment for both small local and large national retailers.
Polk, his wife and two boys are recent transplants from Indiana to Southern California. He will report to Andy Graves and is based in MAG’s Irvine, CA offices.
