Helmet market happenings: Just in time for this issue’s heads up on helmets comes word that industry exec Frank Esposito is now heading up sales and marketing for Scorpion Sports. Most recently with Kendon, the stand-up trailer originators, Esposito has track record of integrity and results in the powersports industry. “We are extremely excited to have Frank join the Scorpion family,” says Scorpion CEO Jang Park.
“Frank’s extensive experiences in the motorcycle industry are second to none and will further solidify Scorpion’s operational foundation as a premium global helmet and apparel brand.”
Esposito’s notable achievements include serving as president and COO of Tucker Rocky Distributing and president/vice chairman of global motorsport group (presiding over Custom Chrome). More importantly, Esposito is a lifetime motorcycle rider and passionate enthusiast of the sport. He’s an accomplished enduro racer and is a 13-time veteran of the Colorado 500.
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The Scorpion shuffle was precipitated by VP of business operations, John Kim, stepping down.”I will be pursuing an opportunity outside of the motorcycle industry,” said Kim. “I am looking forward to staying in touch with this industry I love by moving into a support role with Scorpion. I am proud to have had a small part in the ambitious history of the Scorpion brand as well as in the progress we have seen over the past 3 years to help rebuild momentum for this unique brand. I am confident that under the stewardship of true industry professionals, we will see this brand continue to surge in the coming months and years.”
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Esposito’s exit from Kendon opened the door for former Malcolm Smith Racing Brand Manager for Tucker Rocky Distributing Steven Adams to step in. “Kendon recently sold to a new owner who has the means and know-how to turn the company around and rebuild it in to the powerhouse brand it once was,” says Adams. “I will be stepping in as the Brand Manager to handle all the outward-facing activities of the company. It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow with a great company. I look forward to seeing all of you at the races, tradeshows, dealerships and events.”
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Heads up! Former Southeast regional manager Eddy Raisch has left “The Nest” as Scorpion HQ is known, but he is still in the helmet/gear game. Raisch returns to his roots at Troy Lee Designs. His new role at TLD has him serving as Export Sales Manager for the Americas. Congratulations on the move up, Eddy!
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Formerly with German helmet company Schuberth, Sarah Schilke has accepted the position of national marketing manager with BMW Motorrad USA. This move that not only shifts personnel at Schuberth, but also opens up Sarah’s seat on the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) board of directors. Schilke was serving her third term on the MIC BOD. “We will miss Sarah’s leadership and dedication at our meetings,” said MIC Board Chairman Dennis McNeal.
“But we know that her input and influence will continue through BMW’s ongoing MIC board participation.” BMW Motorrad USA is represented on the board by BMW Vice President Kris Odwarka. Schilke’s resume includes a variety of motorcycle marketing experience, including such roles as marketing and public relations manager for Schuberth North America, western advertising manager for American Motorcyclist magazine and a stint at Fairchild when it bought out apparel giant Intersport Fashions West.
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Speaking of the MIC, after seven years former VP of Business Development & Membership Relations Scot Begovich has left the association for a new gig with Experian. Scot is now the director of data solutions at Experian Marketing Services.
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Formerly with Italian helmet manufacturer Nolan and most recently trying to help Swiss apparel giant IXS get a toehold in the U.S. motorcycle market, Catherine Snelgrove is now assisting EPIC-id get the word out about its USB emergency medical ID wristband. EMTs, police and fire fighters can connect EPIC-id to their on-board computers and get important medical information without the need for a charged phone, passwords or a Wi-Fi connection.
The USB flash drive inside the band stores critical medical information and pertinent contact details in an intuitive, easy-to-read, and simple interface. More details at: www.epic-id.com.
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In a heads up not related to helmets: John Kear has joined Küryakyn as its new director of sales/international business. Kear is responsible for developing new and existing distribution and dealer networks, bolstering Küryakyn’s ability to enhance the consumer motorcycle ownership experience within international markets. Prior to Küryakyn, Kear was responsible for dealer development with Honda Motorcycles Europe. John also held positions with Harley-Davidson in both the U.S. and Europe.
