Polaris Names Bennett Morgan President, COO
Bennett Morgan has been named president and chief operating officer, effective today, at Polaris Industries Inc., Medina, Minn. Tom Tiller continues as chief executive officer. Several related key management moves were made at the same time.
Morgan, 41, is an 18-year veteran of Polaris. Prior to this promotion, he was vice president and general manager of the company’s ATV division, its largest, for the last four years. Over his career at Po laris, Morgan has successfully held in a wide variety of sales, marketing, and general management roles, including general manager of the Parts, Garments and Accessories Division.
“Bennett Morgan is a proven leader with a strong track record. The ATV business represents over 60% of Polaris’ sales, and he has done a terrific job in leading that business toward profitable growth over the last four years,” said Tiller in making the announcement.
Morgan is taking over the role of president and COO, a position held by Tiller since 1999, and will be charged with the internal operations of the company and the day-to-day execution. Tiller, as CEO, will focus on strategic issues, the long term direction of the Company and will continue to be the external voice for Polaris.
Polaris had 2004 sales of $1.8 billion. It designs, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, ATVs, Victory motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use.
At the same time it promoted Morgan, the company named Mike Dougherty to replace Morgan as general manager of the ATV Division. Dougherty most recently headed Polaris’ international operations. Mike Jonikas, formerly general manager of Polaris’ Utility Division, has been appointed general manager of sales and marketing. Jonikas replaces Ken Sobaski, who has served as vice president of sales, marketing and service since 2001. Sobaski is leaving to pursue other opportunities.
Tim DeJong will replace Jonikas as general manager of the Utility Division. DeJong has been with Polaris for 14 years, and most recently served as director of operations at the company’s Roseau production facility.
