Uncategorized

Orbe Resigns; Kawi Makes Organizational Changes

Tom Orbe has resigned from his position as Vice President of Sales at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC), effective July 15, and the company has re-assigned vice presidents Tony Murr and Barry Beehler.
Orbe was with Irvine, California-based Kawasaki for two and half years. Before joining Kawasaki, Orbe was CEO and president of Marel Consulting, Inc, a Newport Beach-based management and marketing consulting organization. Orbe is returning to Marel.
Murr moves from his vice president marketing position to take over the vice president sales slot he had previously held, replacing the recently resigned Orbe. Beehler, vice president planning, adds responsibility for the company’s marketing guidance to his new position as vice president planning and marketing.
Kawasaki says the moves are a continuation of its recent emphasis on “increasing cross-functional experience” for the company’s mid and senior level managers.
“Tony Murr and Barry Beehler have held numerous executive positions at KMC during their tenure, and by continuing to allow them to change and expand their responsibilities they help set the tone for KMC’s executive growth efforts which are so integral to the company’s future,” said Steve Hamada, KMC president.
In related moves, Bruce Stjernstrom, formerly director of professional racing, will assume the day-to-day management of marketing activities as director of marketing. He has had two stints with KMC, split by a role as managing director of the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA).
Mike Fisher, a long-time member of KMC’s research and development group, and a former racer, will become motocross racing manager.
The company says it also plans to “consolidate” accessory product line operations under senior manager Jim Williams, who will manage a group directed by Dave Dora, vice president product operations.
Finally, Patrick Kelly, director of product planning and research, moves the planning group into KMC’s Product Advancement & Racing organization, more closely integrating Kawasaki’s overall product development activities.
KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with more than 350 of them located at the Irvine, Calif. headquarters.

  • To return to the current issue, click here.
  • For more of the latest news, click here.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button