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Shifting Gears: Printing All The News That Fits

SG_ScotHardenCharging ahead! AMA Hall of Famer and former VP of global marketing for Zero Motorcycles, industry veteran Scot Harden is now chief marketing officer for GasGas Motorcycles and Torrot electric products. Harden reports to Torrot CEO/Founder Ivan Contreras and is responsible for all North American sales and marketing efforts, including dealer development for GasGas enduro and trials motorcycles and the innovative Torrot EV products. “I am very excited about this opportunity,” says Harden. “I look forward to working with Mr. Contreras, Mark Berg, COO of Torrot North America and Joaquin Perles, director of business development as well as the GasGas/Torrot factory, its staff, dealer network, fans and supporters to help build a world renowned brand into a fun and profitable business.” Contreras adds, “We will be establishing an office and development center in Southern California as a commitment to the U.S. market and to better serve our dealers, customers and the press. Scot’s reputation and relationships within the sport and the industry as well as his entrepreneurial leadership style will give us a great head start.” Harden’s hiring follows the announcement that trials legend Geoff Aaron has joined GasGas as promotions manager.


SG_CraigMartin2Craig Martin left the dealership ranks as Action Motorsports KTM in Decatur, Texas, shut down back in May. “Nine years of my life went into this business. Every chapter of my life had huge benefits and I am very proud of each of them,” says Martin. “I really want to thank every person that helped make Action MotorSports great: My family, my staff, my great customers, the entire powersports industry, but most of all……God!” The next chapter has begun as he joins the Western Power Sports team as their Dallas Area road rep. “Great company with great people… Can’t wait to get it going!”


SG_Oliva-Rob-photoOn a roll: After starting as an outside sales rep for Iowa and South Dakota back in 2013, Parts Unlimited has promoted Rob Oliva to regional sales manager for the distribution giant’s North Sales Region. Rob brings a wealth of industry knowledge and passion to his new position, including his experience as a motorcycle shop owner for 10 years. Club racers and dealers may remember that he was also the national distributor for Continental race rubber circa 2007-2013.


SG_AndriaYuYu who? Experienced journalist and motorcyclist Andria Yu, former front page editor of USA Today, is now director of communications for the Motorcycle Industry Council. “With her strong knowledge of major mainstream media, her connections to various writers and editors, and with her genuine passion for motorcycling, we expect Andria to be a tremendous asset to our communications program and our ongoing outreach efforts,” said Ty van Hooydonk, MIC VP of communications. “She’s a hardcore motorcyclist, too. We once invited her to the Indy MotoGP and she declined a flight there, opting to ride her own bike from Maryland to Indiana.” A graduate of New York University, Yu will remain on the East Coast for the time being, giving MIC communications and Motorcycles.org quicker and easier access to the New York City media and other East Coast outlets. “I’m thrilled to have the chance to work with the MIC and the motorcycle industry at such an exciting time – especially as a woman rider,” Yu said. “Manufacturers have been doing a tremendous job developing bikes and gear for every type of rider, and I am eager to help with outreach. Through digital and social media, as well as traditional media, I see new opportunities to inspire more people to ride, and to ride safe.”


SG_Mike-Hancock_National-Sales-Manager_KYMCO-USA_00Mike Hancock is now national sales manager at KYMCO USA. With 21 years of powersports industry experience, Hanock has distinguished himself at every level, from pre-delivery inspector, certified service technician, service manager, sales manager and GM at retail level as well as DSM at the OEM level. He is committed to developing the current dealer as well as expanding the dealer and retail customer base through the “KYMCO Cares” mantra first articulated by CEO Victor Tsai. “The message is that we’re not just another OEM pushing product down your throat,” claims Hancock. “Ultimately, we want our dealers to be successful by profiting from each sale and growing each year with our brand.” Bottom line: “Our message is pretty clear, we are a rock solid brand delivering quality products and service through a quality dealer network and we’re here to stay.” Hancock is presently living in Nashville, TN with his wife, accomplished singer/songwriter Taryn Murphy.


SG_DirkShaw2Dispatch, the marketing agency for Michelin, Bell Helmets, Honda, AGV Helmets and Dainese among others, brings in digital marketing veteran Dirk Shaw. As Dispatch’s new partner and chief strategist, Shaw brings more than 20 years of marketing experience from leading agencies, including Vignette, Ogilvy and “Team Detroit” (Harley-Davidson and Ford Motor Company). “For the last decade, we’ve been helping the world’s leading active lifestyle brands engage with and reach more active people through a traditional marketing approach,” said Dispatch founder/CEO Eric Doyne. “There are more active people than ever and we need to leverage big data to understand the nuances in behaviors across Gen Z, millennials, Gen X and boomers simultaneously to help our clients grow participation and create authentic stories,” adds Shaw. “I look forward to integrating with our team who collectively share the same passion for its active clients’ industries.”

 

 

 

 

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