Heads up: Longtime Scorpion Sports stalwart Randy Hyden has left the building. “It’s bittersweet,” he says. “Some of you may remember that I was the third person that they hired on and I was there when everything originally launched.” Although Hyden has left Scorpion, he is still a big believer in the brand and has established Motowearhouse: The Most Specialized Source for Scorpion Helmets and Apparel in the Entire Known Universe. “We made a decision to specialize in Scorpion Sports products for one reason; Its a premium product at value price. Dollar-for-dollar there is nothing you can wear that is better in providing safety while you enjoy your riding experience.” Good luck with the new gig, Randy.
Magazine mayhem! After 18 years on the job of wrenching Harleys and editing American Iron Magazine editor Chris Maida has retired. “We wish Chris luck in his new life in Virginia working on old vintage airplanes at a museum,” says AIM Editor-in-Chief Buzz Kanter. Stepping up as AIM editor is Steve Lita, a long-time editor at American Iron Garage and Motorcycle Rides & Culture magazines. In addition to the changes at the print magazine, Kanter announced former MotorcycleUSA.com staffer Bryan Harley has joined the American Iron Magazine team as the online editor. Harley will be handling AIM website and social media outlets.
After three decades at Polaris Industries, company president Bennett Morgan is retiring. “Bennett dedicated his career to growing Polaris into the global powersports leader we are today,” says CEO Scott Wine. “We thank Bennett for his significant contributions over the last 29 years and wish him well in his retirement.” Rather than naming a new president, the executive team will now report directly to Wine. Morgan was GM of the ATV division from 2001 to 2005 when then-CEO Tom Tiller selected him to become president and CEO. “Bennett understands virtually every aspect of our business, and with his leadership, we are even better equipped to achieve our long-term goals,” said Tiller at the time. Morgan continued as president after Tiller left the company in 2008 and Wine was named CEO. Since then, Wine and Morgan worked to more than double the size of Polaris. “It’s been an honor to work at Polaris and with so many amazing people over the past 29 years,” said Morgan. “I will remember the relationships and the people more than the accomplishments.”
Former Gas Gas guy Rod Overstreet is now on the gas with the tuning fork folks. “I’m very happy and excited to share with you that I have accepted a position in the newly formedFinancial Services Division at Yamaha Motor Corp.,” says Overstreet. “As many of you know, my love affair with Yamaha began at a very early age, and I have worked hard throughout my entire career in hopes of one day becoming a part of the company. Dreams do come true if you work hard, keep your nose clean and never lose sight of where you want to go!”
More magazine dirt: Pete Peterson promoted at Dirt Rider, Chris Denison has moved on and Kris Keefer moves up to senior test editor. “With Peterson’s years of experience, incredible skillset and passion for motocross and off-road motorcycling, he was the obvious choice to lead Dirt Rider,” said VP/Group Publisher Andy Leisner. “He has proven his abilities managing different content categories for us, and he will now oversee all content creation and distribution through digital, print, video and our social-partner channels.” Peterson has been at Dirt Rider for the past decade as a feature writer, overseeing departments such as Dirt Writer, Pro Secrets and Dr. Dirt. He is also the author of the “Total Dirt Rider Manual” book. Former pro motocrosser Keefer has been testing motorcycles and equipment for the past 16 years. He is considered one of the most accomplished and respected testers in the motorcycle industry.
Charging ahead! Yuasa Battery has brought in a couple hard-chargers as Darrell Wilson and Steve Turner have joined the sales team. Wilson, who was Yuasa’s VP of sales & marketing from 2003 to 2004, returns to the company as VP of sales. He reports to Yuasa CEO Hitoshi Ohta. Turner takes over as national sales manager-powersports, reporting to Aykaun Okuma, Yuasa’s senior director of aftermarket sales. Prior to rejoining Yuasa Battery, Wilson was director of marketing and communications at Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. He began his career with Energizer Batteries. Turner was most recently a field sales manager of powersports for Bridgestone before joining Yuasa. Having once been the GM for Honda of Cool Springs in Brentwood, Tennessee, he has a good idea of what dealers need from the battery manufacturer to be more successful.
