Askenazi Named Zero Motorcycles' New Chief Technology Officer

Askenazi Named Zero Motorcycles’ New Chief Technology Officer

Abe Askenazi has been named chief technology officer (CTO) of Zero Motorcycles, it was announced recently. After joining Zero in February 2010 as the vice president of engineering, Askenazi led his team in the development of Zero’s 2011 product line. A major overhaul from the previous year, over eighty percent of each existing model was re-engineered or otherwise improved, and three new models were added.

As CTO, Askenazi will pioneer Zero Motorcycles’ technology infrastructure and direct the development of the company’s new powertrain project.

“Abe’s ability to effectively execute on an aggressive product development plan, select the best new technologies and rally his team is remarkable. The result of his work is clearly visible in our 2011 product line that is more robust and better performing than any of its predecessors,” said Karl Wharton, Zero Motorcycles COO. “With Abe taking on the role of CTO we are now even more confident that our future product offerings will continue to evolve and maintain our market leading status.”

Askenazi is a passionate engineer and motorcyclist holding both a BS and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley. At Buell, Askenazi helped develop 26 models (including two turn-key road racers) across four different platforms, resulting in the production of over 130,000 vehicles. Askenazi holds numerous patents for motorcycle components and has published a text-book and multiple articles on both analytical engineering and motorcycle technology.

“As CTO, I plan to further lead Zero Motorcycles in pushing the boundaries of electric powertrain technology,” said Askenazi. “Our goal is to continue to offer customers the highest performance and value available today.”

For more information about Zero Motorcycles, visit www.zeromotorcycles.com.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.