“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,” says Ryan Polk, the new Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) brand group president. MAG brands include such industry leaders as Burly, DragonFire, Küryakyn, Mustang Seats, Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension, Renthal, Roland Sands Design, Vance & Hines and Xtreme Machine. “This has been quite a ride,” says Polk, who’s sole means of transportation is 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.” Polk recently shifted from the MAG Retail Group to take over as MAG Brand president. “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 Andy Graves, president and CEO of MAG.
K&N has moved former Powersports Brand Manager Nick O’Kane up the ladder to national accounts manager on the automotive side, promoted Johnny Jump to powersports national sales manager and brought in former MAG creative director Ross Berlanga as powersports brand manager. O’Kane joined K&N in 1997 as the UK sales manager based in the K&N office near Manchester, England, and later relocated to the Netherlands as the international sales manager. In 2006, Nick relocated to K&N headquarters in Riverside, California. “After a passionate eight years in the powersports industry, in which I have met many amazing friends, I have decided to explore a new path in my career whilst remaining at K&N. I will see to it that my powersports duties will seamlessly transfer over to the very capable Johnny Jump. A 12-year veteran of K&N Filters, many of K&N’s dealers already know Jump. “I will be working closer with our direct customers, distributors and sales outlets to ensure product education, product placement and ultimately sales to the end user.” A hot rodder and powersports enthusiast, Berlanga is looking forward to working with the K&N team. “My experience with MAG brands and passion for anything powered by a motor, makes this a dream,” claims Berlanga.
Michael Lock is the new CEO for AMA Pro Racing. After serving as a strategic business consultant during the 2015 flat track racing season, the board decided to bring him onboard full time. “Adding Michael Lock to the executive team shows our commitment to elevating professional motorcycle racing in North America,” said Jim France, principal of AMA Pro Racing. “His expertise will be critical to the long-term success of the sport, and we are excited to have him join the team.” Most recently COO of Lamborghini in America, Lock spent nearly a decade at Ducati, including 8 years as CEO in America. He was also CEO of Triumph Motorcycles USA where he established the U.S. subsidiary in 1994. “This is an exciting time for AMA Pro Racing,” Lock said. “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to contribute to the future direction.” Michael Gentry continues in his role as COO of AMA Pro Racing. In addition to a new CEO, AMA Pro Racing integrated the marketing and communications functions under Gene Crouch, marketing & communications director. Former flat track racer and AMA Pro Racing exec Ronnie Jones transitions to the role of strategic competition consultant, where he will advise Lock and the AMA Pro Racing team on initiatives related to the recently-announced class restructuring.
Hit the road! Harley-Davidson’s Senior VP of Marketing Mark-Hans Richer has left the company. “In his time with Harley-Davidson, Mark-Hans was instrumental in achieving our transformational goals, including expanding our reach to both core and outreach customers, and we thank him for his contributions,” claims The Motor Company statement. “The changes are an important piece of the company’s recently announced plan to build on its leadership position in the market and grow demand, with a key objective to lead in every market.” With that in mind, Sean Cummings has been promoted to senior VP of global demand. In his new role, Cummings will lead the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regional teams, as well as the go-to-market functions, including marketing, retail and sales operations. He has more than 30 years of international experience, most recently heading up Harley’s efforts in Latin America.
James Wood is the new Drag Specialties rep calling on dealers in the West Region. Woody brings more than 20 years worth of industry experience to the position, holding gigs in sales, service and parts management at Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson in Lancaster, Calif. Woody says he enjoys anything with wheels, a passion that took hold when he was just seven years old. He even spent time as a ground support equipment mechanic for NASA. Today, he enjoys off-roading with family and friends, cruisin’ in his ‘64 Buick Riviera and riding his ‘87 FXRT.
