polaris makes organizational changes
Amsnow
Director of marketing and product management for Polaris' ATV division, Mike Jonikas was promoted to general manager of the Polaris Utility Vehicle and Professional Series division. He will be responsible for the Professional Series line of commercial vehicles and Polaris RANGER utility vehicles.
The Professional Series was launched in 2000 and marked the company's initial expansion into the commercial equipment marketplace with the production of vehicles used by lawn and landscape companies, equipment rental companies and construction operations.
Prior to Polaris, Jonikas had 12 years of marketing and sales general management experience with General Mills. Matt Homan, who joined Polaris last year as ATV marketing manager, will now assume all marketing responsibilities for the ATV division.
"We're excited to have Mike in this key position for Polaris," said Tom Tiller, president and chief executive officer, Polaris Industries. "Polaris Professional Series and RANGER provide significant growth opportunities for Polaris over the next few years as we develop new distribution channels and the product portfolio for each business."
Other Changes: PG&A
In an effort to improve the overall dealer network and support provided to both dealers and consumers, Polaris also announced a significant reorganization of its sales leadership team. The change is the first major step towards a company initiative to develop an industry leading dealer network.
Eric Lindquist was named to the new position of Director of Consumer Sales to lead a new integrated Parts, Garments and Accessories (PG&A) and whole goods field sales team. Lindquist served previously as the PG&A National Sales Manager for Polaris. Prior to joining Polaris, he held a number of sales positions for both Nike and Wilson Sporting Goods.
Other Changes: Commercial Sales
The company's reorganization includes creation of a commercial sales organization by consolidating Polaris Professional Series (PPS), military sales, government services (GSA) and national accounts into one organization. Ross Carlson, who has been with Polaris since 1998 leading the whole goods sales team, will lead the military, GSA and national accounts areas of the commercial sales organization.
Gary Fritz continues to manage the PPS Sales team under the Commercial Sales Organization. Fritz joined Polaris in 2000 and has played a critical role in the start up sales activities for PPS. Prior to joining Polaris, Fritz was with the Toro Company as International Sales and Marketing Manager.
Other Changes: Dealer Development
As the new Director of Dealer and Retail Development, Steve Menneto heads up new dealer and retail development. He joined Polaris in 1997 as a District Sales Manager, was promoted to a Regional Sales manager in 2001 and has been leading the Dealer Development Quality initiative since last October.
The leaders from each of the newly formed sales divisions will report directly to Ken Sobaski, Polaris' vice-president of sales, service and marketing. Sobaski explained: "This organizational effort is just the first step towards Polaris building an industry leading dealer network. This change will reduce the number of dealers each district sales manager calls on which in short makes it easier for us to communicate and do business with our dealers."